Spending on mental health cut by 1.8%

MENTAL health and disability spending will be cut by a maximum of 1.8% in what has been described by health minister of state John Moloney as “special consideration for the two sectors”.

Under the terms of the budget, an additional €10 million in funding is being provided to the HSE for disability in 2011 to meet extra demand in respect of emergency residential, respite and home support hours.

Additionally, there’s further provision for expenditure of up to €15m on priority mental health projects. They will be funded from receipts of the disposal of surplus mental health properties.