A system failing our most vulnerable

Axing €50m earmarked for developments in mental health provisions will cost lives, writes David McCarthy

PICTURE the scene: HSE chiefs huddle with Department of Health officials and James Reilly’s advisers around a conference table looking to find €130m to fill a recently noticed budget overrun.

Suddenly they spot it, €50m in the mental health budget. “Well hello,” they say, “this is could be a winner.”