The Government is being urged not to cut mental health funding in Budget 2012.
A cross party Oireachtas Group on Mental Health called today on the Government to keep spending at 2011 levels. The call was made in a pre-budget submission timed to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
Speaking ahead of this morning's submission, Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary called on the Government to protect existing funding for community services.
"We must continue with the reform programme set out in the Government's mental health policy, A Vision for Change and the promised ring fencing of €35 million annually from the health budget to develop community services must be protected," Mr Calleary said.
Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said community-based mental health services reduce the incidence of suicide and warned of the consequences of any cut in spending.
"Any slowdown in the transfer of mental health services into the community is likely to lead to increased use of more expensive options such as inpatient admission as well as the inappropriate use of the prison system and homeless services,” Mr Ó Caoláin said.
A large number of events are being organised around the State to mark Mental Health Week.
Mental Health Ireland (MHI) is running two national campaigns - the Building Resilience Together Project launched in 2010 and the fourth annual National Choral Singing Week.
Events will be organised by choirs, schools and other groups to mark the week and to highlight choral singing as an activity that is good for mental health.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and First Fortnight are holding a series of college concerts aimed at challenging mental health prejudice and discrimination.
First Fortnight is an arts-based project that aims to promote mental-health awareness. This is the first year it has staged a student event.
World Mental Health Day is a UN-supported initiative.