Mental Health Reform seeks clarification on Government commitment to implement A Vision for Change
Friday 7th October 2016
Mental Health Reform has today sought clarification from the Government about how its commitment under the Programme for Government to full implementation of the mental health policy A Vision for Change will be reflected in Budget 2017.
Shari McDaid, Director, said, “Full implementation of A Vision for Change requires investment of €37.5M per year over the lifetime of this Government. The Government committed to meeting the recommendations in this policy and we are seeking clarification now as to whether this will be realised in next year’s budget.”
“In addition, in light of the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, we are calling on Fianna Fáil to ensure that its budget commitment from the Government reflects the agreement to implement A Vision for Change within a full term of Government. In the context of a 48% shortage in child and adolescent mental health service staff and lack of 24/7 mental health services across the country, full implementation cannot wait any longer,” concluded Dr. McDaid.”
ENDS.
