QUESTION addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health (Kathleen Lynch)
For WRITTEN ANSWER on 13/11/2014
To ask the Minister for Health if any of the additional funding provided for mental health services will be used to augment psychology services provided through the primary care directorate which assist persons with mild to moderate psychological difficulties; if not, if he will liaise with the Health Service Executive to ensure that such services receive additional funding as part of the HSE’s service plan for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Jerry Buttimer T.D.
REPLY
The additional €35 million for mental health services in Budget 2015 brings to €125 million the total investment for mental health services since 2012. This additional allocation is for the development and modernisation of the services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change. The additional funding for mental health will be directed towards the continued prioritised development and reconfiguration of Community Mental Health Teams. It will also permit urgent specialist needs to be addressed. The details will be agreed with the HSE in the context of approval of its 2015 National Service Plan, which will also outline the total amount of funding for mental health services in 2015.
90% of the mental health needs of the population are appropriately addressed through Primary Care service as part of their overall health and wellbeing. Community psychology is a primary care based and led service. Mental health services are designed to respond to the needs of those with a more acute mental health need and in assessing and diagnosing mental illness. In resourcing these mental health services, there is commitment to working with all health providers in building resilience, supporting improved mental health and reducing loss of life through suicide.