Mental health scheme blocked by department

A scheme to help young people deal with mental health issues is being “blocked” by the Department of Public Expenditure, it can be revealed.

Four departments have agreed on how to fund and run a new coordinated “pathfinder” programme for young people with mental health problems. However, it is being held up by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe’s department.

Jim Daly, the minister of state for mental health, has revealed that the Departments of Health, Children, Education and the Taoiseach are waiting for approval from the Department of Public Expenditure (DEPR) to launch the Pathfinder mental health initiative.