Sir, – Plans to divert €12 million of funds ring-fenced for mental health services to other areas of the health service, as reported in The Irish Times, undermine the work which has been done in recent years to place the mental health needs of the population on an equal footing with our physical health needs ("Kathleen Lynch resists loss of mental health funds", April 18th).
In 2013, 487 people in Ireland took their lives. At least 90 per cent of those dying by suicide have a mental health issue at the time of death. It is vital that people with mental health difficulties receive timely support. Gaps in mental health service provision must be addressed in order for people at risk of suicide to receive the support they need.
Mental health has long been regarded as the Cinderella of the health services but work done under the national mental health strategy document A Vision for Change had begun to address gaps that existed in the services. This work can not continue if much-needed ringfenced funds are diverted.
If we are serious about addressing mental ill health and suicide in Ireland, the resources allocated for mental health services must be protected. Anything less is unacceptable. – Yours, etc,
CATHERINE BROGAN,
Executive Director,
Samaritans Ireland,
4-5 Usher’s Court,
Usher’s Quay,
Dublin 8.