Written answers
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Department of Health
Mental Health Services
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1006. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase the mental health budget to 10% of the total health budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40437/23]
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1009. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding in Budget 2024 across a range of mental health areas, namely dual diagnosis, self-harm/suicide, early intervention in psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD and perinatal mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40440/23]
Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1009 together.
The Department of Health is currently engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2024 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 funding for mental health in 2024.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note that 2023 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.2bn. Budget 2023 delivered almost €58m in additional funding, and a further €10m in once-off funding for much needed minor capital works across the mental health system.
Funding allocated to mental health services in recent years has allowed for the continued investment in the mental health national clinical programmes and models of care, which has led to significant service improvements, including the full implementation of specialist perinatal mental health network provided for and the on-going expansion of specialist mental health teams for eating disorders, ADHD in adults, and dual diagnosis.
Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed in the short to longer term through our national mental health policy Sharing the Vision. 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 service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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1007. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date on the programme for Government commitment to establish a national leadership role for mental health in the HSE; the timeline for the role to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40438/23]
Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
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