Andrews welcomes Budget 2010 investment in Mental Health Strategy

Deputy Chris Andrews TD, co-convener of the Joint Oireachtas Mental Health Committee has welcomed the announcement in Budget 2010 that provisions for a multi-annual investment programme, which will support mental health projects in line with the strategy set out in "A Vision for Change" will be put in place.

It is envisaged that investment programme will be funded from the sale of surplus HSE assets. Furthermore, the Minister for Finance has allocated an additional amount of €43 million for this purpose in 2010. Further funding for mental health will be provided as asset sales allow.

According to Deputy Andrews, "This announcement is most welcome and demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment to tackling mental health problems in Ireland. It sends a positive signal that Mental Health is receiving the political priority that it deserves."

"In my role as co-convener of the Joint Oireachtas Mental Health Committee, I have been working to increase dialogue around this issue. It is only by doing this that we will break down the stigma attached to those suffering with mental health difficulties," added Deputy Andrews.