Health Services

Tuesday, 21 April 2026

Ceisteanna (204)

Liam Quaide

Ceist:

204. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the current level of investment in psychiatry of later life services in each HSE health region; the level of investment required in each such area to achieve the staffing and service targets envisaged in the 2019 Specialist Geriatric Services Model of Care, Part 2: Mental Health Service Provision; and to explain the shortfall between current investment and the investment required to meet those targets. [28474/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (2019) is being implemented, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services have established.

Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps. Under Budget 2026, I have funded two additional teams for this Programme.

With reference to the specific information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.