According to reports this morning Fianna Fail have slammed the Government and have demanded an “urgent review” of the current mental health budget in the wake of recent cuts.
It is understood that the party are calling for the extensive review after recent reports circulated that the Government plan to cut spending to just €15 million in 2017, instead of the €35.4million they initially agreed to.
Speaking about the proposed cuts the party’s mental health spokesman, James Browne, said Fianna Fáil is pushing for “a significant increase in funding and spending for mental health services”. Mr Browne also stated that he and his his party were determined to pursue the plan for mental health services outlined in the ‘Vision for Change’ policy document.
Mr Browne told reporters: “Fianna Fáil is calling on the Government to set out how exactly it intends on achieving full implementation of the country’s mental health strategy.”
“We have made it clear that mental health spending can’t be put on the backburner, so it’s time for Fine Gael and their Independent colleagues to spell out their plan for mental health services.”
“One key measure which we want to see is the introduction of a multi-annual plan for the development of mental health services.” “Currently the Government allocates funding to mental health on a year to year basis. This is preventing long term planning and development from taking place.”
Mr Browne added: “Instead there should be a multi-annual plan so that our mental health services can be developed with certainty.”