Mental health funding
Deputy Buckley criticises the limited increase in mental health funding and asks for a serious debate and proper allocation of money. The Tánaiste says the budget increased mental health funding, that more community and team-based supports are planned, and that recruitment difficulties remain.
The Government promised mental health reform would be a priority.
The programme for Government and agreement with Fianna Fáil promised that funding would be increased annually. Although €15 million represents a small increase of just under 2%, it is seriously a slap in the face for those who depend on the service, their families and campaigners. It is utterly disingenuous to promise so much and then only provide crumbs on the table. Yesterday, I handed a petition to the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, containing more than 1,300 signatures.
Comment on this
Will we take funding for mental health services seriously, have a serious debate on it and know where we are spending the money?
Comment on this
I am not sure what promised legislation the Deputy is speaking to. He spoke on the budget. The mental health budget has increased this year and as the Deputy knows, there is additional funding. That is clear from those who examined the overall funding. It is focused both on providing improved community care and mental health teams with increasing numbers. There are recruitment difficulties but it is a priority for the Department of Health and the Government. There will be extra funding and recruitment but there are recruitment difficulties in the area, as the Deputy knows.