Minister 'cannot guarantee' budget for mental health sector

The Minister for Mental Health John Moloney is warning that the Budget allocation for his department will not be immune from further cuts.

Earlier this week the Irish Hospital Consultants Association called on the Government to avoid a reduction in spending on mental health services in December's Budget.

Mr Moloney said the Government is committed to the Vision for Change programme - designed to overhaul the services for people suffering from a mental illness.

However the Minister admits he cannot guarantee the budget for the sector will be ring-fenced.