September 22, 2021
€10 million announced for mental health provision in February remains unspent – Mark Ward TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has accused the government of a lack of urgency in providing mental health supports.

This comes after a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health when it was announced that the additional €10 million announced for mental health provision in February 2021 has still not been spent.

Teachta Ward said:

“Last year I accused the government of making announcements on additional funding for mental health supports as window dressing to generate cheap headlines.

“It gives me no pleasure to hear that I was right. In fact, they were not cheap headlines; they were free headlines as the €10 million announced in additional spending for mental health in February 2021 remains unspent.

“The latest news we have is that there may be a plan in quarter four of this year for this funding.

“This is not good enough. There is a complete lack of urgency by this government to provide mental health services people need right now.

“People who need mental health supports have a simple ask;  that they can access the care they need, when they need it and where they need it.

“Our frontline services have a simple ask and that is that they are resourced to provide the supports that people need.

“Covid-19 has put added pressure on our mental health services, so any delay in providing additional funding is unacceptable.

“The Minister also needs to guarantee that this money is ring-fenced and does not get lost in the upcoming budget and presented as additional spending when it is clearly not.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I welcome tonight’s statement from the Ceann Comhairle and her acceptance of the position set out by Sinn Féin and the combined Opposition - you cannot be in government and opposition at the same time.

This was a stroke too far on the back of a grubby deal and everyone knows…

One year ago today, history was made as I took up the position of First Minister.

Every day since, I’ve worked to ensure all our people are fairly represented and to meet the needs and aspirations of workers, families and communities.

I remain determined to do everything I can…

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has welcomed the passing of a motion in the Assembly supporting greater north-south co-operation.

@DeclanKearneySF

👋 Meet your new Sinn Féin ministerial team.

Our strong Sinn Féin team in the Executive will work to continue leading positive change and improve the lives of workers, families and communities.

4

Load More

Statements