Mental health funds way behind needs of service

MORE resources are needed urgently to address mental health needs in Ireland.

Expenditure in this area has dropped from 13% in 1984 to just 7.2% of the national health budget for this year, and it still lags hopelessly behind the needs of the sector.

Approximately one-quarter of all Irish people experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives. Those who experience such problems are more likely to end up socially and economically disadvantaged. It is unacceptable that mental health should continue to be the Cinderella of the health sector.