Mark Ward TD has called on the immediate reinstatement of a national director for Mental Health within the HSE. Teachta Ward said: “There was a director for mental health was in place until 2016. This role ceased during a bureaucratic restructuring process. “There has been no Director of Mental Health since despite the programme for Government containing a commitment to reinstate the position. There is a lack of urgency and political will in filling the role. “The Director for Mental Health will have the authority but more importantly be accountable for planning and developing services and managing available resources. They would also report directly to the Director General of the HSE and the Minister.
“Mental Health needs to be at the top table in the decision-making process as for too long it has been the Cinderella of the Health services. “There needs to be complete Governance and accountability for mental health budgets and services in the HSE. “During the debate on Mental Health in the Dail last week Minister Mary Butler said that she is very supportive of appointing a national director for mental health but to timeline or commitment has been made. “ I first raised this issue with the Minister, 6 months ago and there is a clear lack of urgency and political will in making this appointment
