Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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1433. To ask the Minister for Health the areas in which he plans to utilise the €20 million additional funding for mental health services announced in February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14198/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In February, an Taoiseach announced that €10 million in funding will be made available to meet the increased demand for mental health supports. An additional allocation of €10 million was also allocated to the Covid Stability Fund for eligible organisations in the community and voluntary sector, to enable continuity of critical service delivery to vulnerable groups. This aspect is being progressed by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

I have met with the Mental Health Unit and the Health & Wellbeing teams within the Department to discuss and scope out various options, following the Government's announcement of additional funding to be made available to meet the projected increase in demand for mental health supports arising from Covid-19.