Minister Lynch hopes to persuade Minister Reilly that “mental health is different” and that the appointment of the Director for mental Health should happen immediately and not wait for legislation.The appointment of the Director for Children and Families has already set a precedent.Speaking to the Examiner, April 7th, the Minister also said that the Department were holding on to the €35m for 414 community staff until the posts are filled.
We agree that the Director is urgently needed and that mental health is different. Mental health services are in a time of major transformation and require dedicated national leadership to ensure that the community teams are staffed and A Vision for Change is implemented.
We urge you email Minister Reilly, Minister Lynch and your local representatives to turn this hope into action .
