Calls for next Government to appoint a ‘super-junior’ Minister for Mental Health & Illness
Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists, calls for a minimum annual funding of €2 billion plus capital expenditure for mental health services.
As part of the manifesto, the college also calls for improved funding for primary care mental health services and adequate funding for doctor training.
The college warns that an inadequate focus on mental health by previous governments has had a “disastrous impact” on patients and their families.
“It is critically important that the dedicated Minister for Mental Health has access to Cabinet to influence and drive the policies and action that are needed", Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, said.
"The impact of mental illness can be felt throughout our society and it is imperative that our next Government lays the foundations for optimal patient care," Martin added.
See the College of Psychiatrists’ General Election manifesto here