Written answers

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Department of Health

Mental Health Services

Photo of John LahartJohn Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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775. To ask the Minister for Health the proportion of his Department’s budget allocated to mental health from 2010 to 2019 and to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40455/20]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Mental Health Funding as a Percentage of Health Budget 2012 - 2020

Year Allocation (NSP) - €m % of Total Health Budget
2012 707.0 5.7%
2013 733.0 5.8%
2014 765.8 6.5%
2015 791.6 6.2%
2016 826.6 6.1%
2017 853.1 6.4%
2018 917.8 6.7%
2019 987.4 6.3%
2020 1,031.3 5.2%*

*As per June 2020 Revised Estimates incorporating Covid-19 Funding. 5.8% as per Dec 2019 Revised Estimates.

It should be noted that mental health was only established as a separate division within the HSE in 2012 hence there is only detailed budget information available from that date onwards.

Between 2012 and 2020 the allocation for Mental Health Services has increased by 46%, or €324m. Mental Health continues to be a priority for the Government. Budget 2021 saw an additional €50 million allocated to HSE Mental Health Services, signifying the Government’s continued commitment to mental health and the priority it deserves.

Of the €50 million addition funding announced for 2021, €23 million has been allocated to commence the implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021. €15 million will assist with evolving challenges arising from Covid-19. The remaining €12 million, will help address existing level of service costs.

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