Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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264. To ask the Minister for Health if he has considered a mental health support plan aimed at business owners who face an uncertain future given the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on their livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4777/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Covid-19 has adversely affected every person in Ireland in diverse and challenging ways. The disease itself has caused significant stress, anxiety, worry and fear. It has increased social isolation, disruption to daily life and has caused uncertainty about employment and financial security for many of us.

With the added pressure on the nations’ mental health, it is more important than ever that services are responsive to the needs of individuals.

I recognise that some business owners are facing an uncertain future and that this may increase anxiety levels.

The Government’s “In this Together” and “Keep Well” campaigns encourage, and offer practical advice on, maintaining our physical and mental health.

Access to services is central to the Government’s commitments under Sláintecare and the new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision.The Government’s commitment to continued enhancement of mental health services is shown in ongoing increases in the mental health budget. Since 2012, €365 million has been added, bringing the mental health budget in 2021 to €1.076 billion, an increase of 51%.

Covid-19 has rapidly accelerated the online delivery of mental health services. Last year the Department of Health, with the HSE, launched a number of initiatives to promote mental health and well-being, including the national Crisis Text-Line. An additional €2.2m has been provided for a mental health promotion and well-being campaign, through enhanced online supports and to support the HSE psychosocial strategy. This has enabled integrated telehealth solutions to improve existing online interventions. Examples are thefree counselling sessions offered by HSE partners MyMind and a number of other providers. Details can be found on the HSE’s websiteyourmentalhealth.ie

These campaigns and supports are available for all citizens, including business owners, and it is important to ensure that everyone is aware of these services. The HSE has been running an awareness campaign, through radio advertisements, directing people who need services to yourmentalhealth.ieand the mental health information telephone line1800 111 888.

In addition, there are a number of financial and practical supports that the Government has put in place for businesses since the start of the pandemic. These include:

- A cash payment through the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS)

- The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme which pays a flat-rate subsidy for each employee

- A Trading Online Voucher to assist moving the business online

- Business advice and support from Local Enterprise offices

- A Restart Grant Plus Scheme

- Rates waiver and tax measures to reduce operational costs

- Reduction of standard rate of VAT from 23% to 21%

Information on all Government supports for businesses can be found at:

Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
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265. To ask the Minister for Health the measures being taken to ensure that a possible increase in persons developing mental health issues due to the Covid crisis is being adequately catered for given the pressure the health service is under; his views on the likelihood that there is an increased need for services at a time when the ability to provide those services is reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4778/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.