Menu
17/12/2019
Govt Accused Of Blocking Investment In Mental Health
The government has been accused of abusing the money message provision in order to block additional investment in mental health.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health James Browne made the criticism in response to a letter from the Minister for Health using the money message as an excuse not to proceed with his Mental Health Parity Bill 2017.
The legislation aims to address the inequality of mental health treatment by placing mental health services at the centre of all key decisions taken by the Department of Health.
Deputy Browne said: "I am deeply frustrated that the government has chosen to use the money message mechanism to block this important Bill. Minister Harris claims there is 'significant risk of considerable financial implications'. Essentially, he does not want to invest in mental health. That's the long and the short of it.
"Fine Gael wax lyrical about the importance of mental health, yet when it comes to actual investment, it is simply not prepared to go the distance.
"This legislation aims to level the playing field between physical and mental health services. A similar law already exists in the UK, and yet for some reason Minister Harris doesn't see fit to allow it to proceed here.
"This decision exposes Fine Gael's lack of commitment to mental health services. It is bitterly disappointing, but unsurprising from a government which is completely out of touch with the reality of the situation on the ground," concluded Deputy Browne.
(MH/CM)
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health James Browne made the criticism in response to a letter from the Minister for Health using the money message as an excuse not to proceed with his Mental Health Parity Bill 2017.
The legislation aims to address the inequality of mental health treatment by placing mental health services at the centre of all key decisions taken by the Department of Health.
Deputy Browne said: "I am deeply frustrated that the government has chosen to use the money message mechanism to block this important Bill. Minister Harris claims there is 'significant risk of considerable financial implications'. Essentially, he does not want to invest in mental health. That's the long and the short of it.
"Fine Gael wax lyrical about the importance of mental health, yet when it comes to actual investment, it is simply not prepared to go the distance.
"This legislation aims to level the playing field between physical and mental health services. A similar law already exists in the UK, and yet for some reason Minister Harris doesn't see fit to allow it to proceed here.
"This decision exposes Fine Gael's lack of commitment to mental health services. It is bitterly disappointing, but unsurprising from a government which is completely out of touch with the reality of the situation on the ground," concluded Deputy Browne.
(MH/CM)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2019
New Dedicated Mental Health Phone Line Launched
A new dedicated phone line for mental health has been launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Health Simon Harris, and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly.
New Dedicated Mental Health Phone Line Launched
A new dedicated phone line for mental health has been launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Health Simon Harris, and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly.
10 October 2022
Swann Announces New Regional Mental Health Service
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new Regional Mental Health Service in Northern Ireland – one of the key enabling actions contained within the Mental Health Strategy published in June 2021.
Swann Announces New Regional Mental Health Service
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced new Regional Mental Health Service in Northern Ireland – one of the key enabling actions contained within the Mental Health Strategy published in June 2021.
11 October 2013
Spending On Mental Health Services Must be Ring-Fenced – Neville
Fine Gael Limerick TD and President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, has called for the spending on mental health services to be ring-fenced in next week's Budget. Deputy Neville was speaking at the 17th Annual Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology, which was held in L'Derry on Thursday.
Spending On Mental Health Services Must be Ring-Fenced – Neville
Fine Gael Limerick TD and President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, has called for the spending on mental health services to be ring-fenced in next week's Budget. Deputy Neville was speaking at the 17th Annual Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology, which was held in L'Derry on Thursday.
10 September 2014
Irish Association of Suicidology Say Stigma Is A Key issue
The President of the Irish Association of Suicidology has said that stigma is one of the key issues facing people when seeking assistance with mental and emotional health issues.
Irish Association of Suicidology Say Stigma Is A Key issue
The President of the Irish Association of Suicidology has said that stigma is one of the key issues facing people when seeking assistance with mental and emotional health issues.
19 April 2016
Diverting Mental Health Money Described As 'Deplorable'
News that almost a third of the money ring-fenced for mental health was being diverted to other areas in health has been described as "deplorable" by Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.
Diverting Mental Health Money Described As 'Deplorable'
News that almost a third of the money ring-fenced for mental health was being diverted to other areas in health has been described as "deplorable" by Sinn Féin's Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Scattered sleet and snow showers will turn increasingly heavy and more frequent in the afternoon across the north. Largely dry with sunny spells in the south, but showers spreading here towards the end of the day. Maximum temperature 4 °C.Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
