Why is mental health budget being used on green initiatives, says SF’s Ward

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD has questioned why €1.8 million of €10 million once off funding for mental health will be spent on a fleet of green or hybrid vehicles for the HSE.

Deputy Ward’s comments come after Minister of State at the Department of Health Mary Butler announced the breakdown of the €10m funding.

“In budget 2022 Minister Mary Butler announced a €10 million one of funding for mental health.

“This was to fund once-off initiatives only, that must be realised by year end 2021,” Deputy Ward said.

“I have been putting pressure on the Minister to announce when this money will be spent and on what.

“Time bound; one off funding can lead to panic spending with the resources not necessary going to where it’s needed.

“The Minister announced that €1.8 million of €10 million once off funding for mental health will be spent on a fleet of green or hybrid vehicles for the HSE.

“Tackling the climate emergency is extremely important but so too is tackling the mental health emergency,” he said.

Ward said that funding for “green initiatives” should come from a separate budget and “should not be at the deficit to other portfolios.”

“The Minister needs to explain how this will improve the experience of people who are trying to access mental health supports from the HSE,” he says.

“Some initiatives are welcome like the extension of the crisis café in Galway but there is an element of trying to tick boxes.

“For example €1 million has been allocated to enhance services and supports in areas such perinatal mental health, men’s mental health, trauma informed care, ethnic minorities, including the Traveller and Roma communities, eating disorders and dual diagnosis

“All these areas need support but will a €1million fund across seven different areas make much of a difference.

“The Minister is throwing confetti and trying to cover as many areas as possible.

“It’s a follow on from budget 2022. Never has so much been spent to achieve so little.”