Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called on the Government to finally fund mental health services appropriately in today’s Budget.
Teachta Ward was speaking on World Mental Health Day, ahead of the launch of Budget 2024.
The Dublin Mid-West TD said:
“The Government must prioritise mental health funding in Budget 2024.
“Budget Day this year coincides with World Mental Health Day. It would be fitting if mental health funding was prioritised.
“I have often referred to mental health as the ‘Cinderella of the health services’ and year after year, Government continues to treat it this way.
“This is at a time where we have record numbers on waiting lists for mental health services.
“This at a time where we have had damning reviews into CAMHS by the Mental Health Commission.
“This is also at a time where no additional funding was allocated, in 2023, to the national clinical programmes which cover eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation, ADHD in adults, early intervention in psychosis and perinatal mental health.
“Government cannot allow this lack of funding to continue.
“It seems that the longer they are in place, the worse this situation gets.
“The Government has the opportunity to correct this trend and fund our mental health services appropriately.
“In our Alternative Budget, Sinn Féin proposed the need investment, including additional funding in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Primary Mental Health Care Services, and importantly, funding for our national clinical programmes.
“This would give a much needed lift to services, and importantly, to people that are in need.
“To put this into context, last year only saw €14 million in new funding from the Government.
“This Government is out of ideas, and they are out of time.
“If Government fails to fund mental health services today then it is time for them to step aside and allow a Government that would.
“Sinn Féin will prioritise mental health when in Government.”
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