Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, has announced another record year with further increases in the Mental Health budget for 2023.
Minister Mary Butler TD commented: “Reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to Mental Health, Budget 2023 sees an additional €72.8 million of funding for Mental Health services into 2023. This brings our total investment for Mental Health to over €1.2 billion and including €14 million of new developments and €43.8 million for existing level of services.
“This funding will underpin continued implementation of Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life and Sláintecare and it represents the largest Mental Health Budget in the history of the State, for the third year in a row.
“I understand this has been a difficult time for many people. My priority over the past weeks has been to secure additional funding for Budget 2023 to make sure that all of our Mental Health services can be delivered, at a high standard and when they are needed.
“This historic funding will provide for continued Mental Health supports in both community and acute settings, with a continued focus on Clinical Programmes for eating disorders, early intervention in psychosis, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and self-harm.”
Minister Butler concluded: “Importantly, this funding will also ensure a dedicated approach to waiting lists, especially for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and primary care psychology for young people. The HSE will continue implementation of the recommendations of the Maskey Report on CAMHS.
“Funding will also be made available to community-based voluntary organisations that support health and social care, including Mental Health. This support is being made available in recognition of the challenges being faced by the sector in delivering and maintaining key health and social care services against a backdrop of increased inflationary pressures affecting energy, heating and related costs.”
Announced additional supports include:
- €10 million in Mental Health Capital funding and €4 million for improving regulatory compliance in mental health in-patient services in alignment with Mental Health Commission regulations
- €750,000 for Counselling and Psychology Training Places in a new HSE initiative
- €9 million for New Mental Health Developments including Traveller Mental Health; online CBT; Crisis Resolution Services; and enhanced services in the areas of recovery, employment and tenancy supports for those with mental health difficulties
- €2 million has been provided for new accommodation, €5 million has been provided for emergency placements over 2023 by the HSE, and €3 million funding under New Development funding for emergency placement additional capacity