Mental Health Ireland has welcomed the positive sign in Budget 2021 of the Government’s investment in the new national mental health policy Sharing the Vision for the whole population.
The announcement includes €12 million to protect existing services, or ‘ELS’ – Existing Level of Service, and a commitment of €38 million for new initiatives and expanding current services in line with the new policy.
Mr Martin Rogan, CEO of Mental Health Ireland said, “Our new mental health policy proposes that we address the needs of the whole population, while providing a properly resourced and more responsive mental health service for people with the most significant needs.
“We welcome this timely investment in mental health, and the implementation of our new policy to respond to the challenges of Covid-19 by protecting the mental health of our population, while creating credible pathways to recovery for all.
“Guided by the recommendations in Sharing the Vision, we at Mental Health Ireland are keen to build upon our work in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing and being pragmatic partners with people in recovery.
“Today’s Budget announcement is a positive sign that the Government recognises the importance of investing in our mental health services. We congratulate Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD, and are eager to play our own active part in advancing the objectives relating to promoting positive mental health, co-production and recovery.”
