Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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353. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the allocation and expenditure for supporting mental health within the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40299/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The provision of mental health services within the Defence Forces is a demand driven aspect of the overall provision of health services and, as with all other disciplines, is not subject to a separate financial provision.

A range of mental health services are provided and these include psychiatry, psychology, personnel support services, general health provision, external referrals and provision of appropriate medication. The Defence Forces psychiatrist and clinical psychologists provide clinical support to all personnel of the Defence Forces.

The Personnel Support Service (PSS) operates within each installation of the Defence Forces and consists of a team of occupational social workers and trained military support personnel. The Department of Defence also provides an external confidential counselling service to all personnel.

The ongoing development of the mental health and wellbeing framework is necessary to ensure that the Defence Forces keep abreast with best practice. In this context, I am please to be able to report that a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2020-2023) for the Defence Forces will shortly be launched.