The Minister of State for Health Helen McEntee has moved to reassure the Irish people that the Government are ‘fully committed’ to providing the necessary funding to help develop the country’s mental health care system.
Ms McEntee told the Dail last night the programme designed to tackle the key issue would be fulfilled, before adding: “Obviously, we would like to see the funding increased as much as possible.”
Ms McEntee further explained: “I am committed to developing youth mental health services, as is the Government with its announcement of a youth mental health taskforce.” “That will require funding, but the commitment has been made.”
The Minister of State for Health comments come after the previous Minster Leo Varadkar announced that €12m would be cut from the originally proposed €35m Mental health Budget. The proposed cuts has led to the government being heavily criticised by a number of mental health campaign groups and high profile celebrities.