3351. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health to detail the resources being provided to the Mental Health Commission to implement its expanded statutory functions under the Mental Health Act 2026, including the regulation, registration and inspection of community mental health services; the Commission's current staffing complement and annual staffing and non-pay allocation; the number of additional WTE posts and additional funding identified as necessary; the number of posts approved and funded to date; the profession, grade and function of each additional post; the number advertised, filled and currently vacant; the proposed recruitment timetable for all remaining posts; whether the Commission considers the resources approved sufficient to discharge its new functions fully and within the intended commencement timetable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55891/26]

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) is a statutory independent body and is leading a significant programme of preparation for the implementation of its expanded functions under the Mental Health Act 2026, including the regulation, registration and inspection of community mental health services. The MHC current staffing complement is 190, with 2 current vacancies of which 66 are allocated to mental health functions, 27 to the corporate functions who support mental health functions and the remainder 97 are allocated to the Decision Support Service.

My Department has been engaging closely with the Commission regarding the resource requirements associated with these new responsibilities. The Commission has undertaken workforce and financial planning to identify the staffing and non-pay resources required to support the phased commencement of the Act.

The Commission has advised that recruitment to the remaining approved posts will take place on a phased basis, with recruitment campaigns scheduled well in advance of the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Act.

My Department will continue to engage with the Commission regarding implementation planning and resource requirements. The adequacy of approved staffing and funding levels is being kept under ongoing review in the context of the commencement programme for the Act, the outcome of recruitment processes and emerging operational requirements.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that the Mental Health Commission is appropriately resourced to discharge its statutory functions effectively and to support the successful implementation of the Mental Health Act 2026.