Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I recently received Mental Health Reform’s Pre-Budget 2022 submission. I value their input - they play an important role in raising awareness and advocating for improvements to mental health service delivery.

I am giving detailed consideration to the submission, in consultation as appropriate with other relevant areas within the Department and with the HSE. More broadly, the Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2022 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional development funding in mental health in 2022.

I would note for the Deputy that 2021 saw a record budget for mental health of over €1.1 billion, including €23 million to commence implementation of many of the short-term recommendations of Sharing the Vision in 2021 and the HSE National Service Plan. €15 million is to address the additional challenges posed by Covid-19, including increased step-down beds, private surge capacity, extra resources for community mental health teams and reconfiguration of residential facilities to meet Mental Health Commission recommendations. An additional €2.2 million was allocated in 2020 to develop telehealth and psychosocial responses to Covid-19 for healthcare workers and the public.

While we do not yet fully understand Covid-19’s impact on mental health, the extent of supports that may be required and how this will affect longer term service demand the Department and HSE continue to plan for any potential surge in demand as it arises and as services return to normal provision and capacity. The HSE has a range of proactive responses for any rise in service need.

Throughout the pandemic, with adaptations, enhancements and improvements, mental health services continued to operate to approximately 85-90% capacity. In particular, expanded and enhanced digital services were crucial in responding to both existing and new and emerging need.