Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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107. To ask the Minister for Health if discussions are expected to prioritise funding for mental health services in Limerick in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48427/21]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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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.

I would note for the Deputy that 2021 saw a record budget for mental health of over €1.1 billion. For 2021, the mental health budget for Community Health Organisation (CHO) 3, which covers Limerick, was over €77 million.

I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services across the county, including Limerick, through the allocation of additional development funding in mental health in 2022.