Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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1478. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ringfence dedicated funding for young carers to access counselling or psychological support from professionals with specific expertise in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13742/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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All aspects of mental health services continue to be developed through the implementation of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision (StV), and the annual HSE Service Plans.Sharing the Visionaims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, to acute and specialist mental health services. A core value of both Slaintecare, and Sharing the Vision, is that of equity, particularly in terms of access to services, characterised by inclusiveness, fairness and non-discrimination. Sharing The Visionfocuses on developing a whole system mental health policy for everyone, and is underpinned by a population-based planning approach which helps to guide the distribution and development of mental health services and supports.

It is important to recognise the valuable contribution of those who care for family members, relatives, and friends, including young carers. Family Carers Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation, supports family carers and young carers through the provision of free emergency care planning, counselling, specialised training and education programmes. They also provide wellbeing support, crisis management, emergency respite, advocacy, peer support, and information on rights and entitlements along with many other worthwhile initiatives.

The HSE and its many partner agencies provides a wide range of mental health supports. Telehealth services are provided as part of a blended service delivery, the majority of which are available seven days per week, with some providing 24-hour support. 7-day telehealth services include YourMentalHealth.ie, the information line 1800 111 888, the crisis textline 50808 and various NGO partner’ online supports (details of these can be found on yourmentalhealth.ie).

In the context of the above policy implementation and on-going service developments by the HSE, there are no plans to progress the specific proposal suggested by the Deputy.