Recent reports show that €25M from Budget 2019 have not yet been released by the Department of Health for mental health services and supports. Given increase in demand for mental health services, such as a 40% increase in demand for CAMHS in recent years and there are just 68 more staff in the HSE than there were in 2009. Providing the promised funding is essential.
This is very concerning for mental health service development. How can the HSE implement new developments in mental health services if the Government are not releasing the promised funds?
For Written Answer on : 26/09/2019
Question Number(s): 147 Question Reference(s): 39203/19
Department: Health
Asked by: James Browne T.D.
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Health when mental health development funding for 2019 was released to the HSE; the breakdown on the allocation of this funding within the HSE; if part of this funding has been allocated to areas outside of mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
Budget 2019 made allowance for an additional €55 million for Mental Health Services to build on existing services. This is made up of the €20m continuing cost in 2019 of developments initiated in 2018, combined with €35m for further new developments. Since 2012, the Mental Health HSE Budget has been increased by almost 40% to nearly €1 billion.
To date, the HSE has drawn down €30 million of the foregoing funding, and an application for a further €13 million is currently being processed. None of this funding has been allocated to areas outside mental health.
I am referring the remainder of your question, regarding the breakdown of the allocation, to the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as it is a service matter.
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