Harris welcomes move to allow appointment of Director of Mental Health Services

Posted July 18th, 2012 in News

New directorates, closely aligned with specific areas of expertise, will ensure Wicklow residents get best possible medical care.

Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Simon Harris, has said new legislation allowing for six new Directorates within the HSE, including one for Mental Health, is a major step forward in the reorganisation of the HSE and the introduction of a “money follows the patient” system.

Deputy Harris said, “The Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill will abolish the existing Board structure of the HSE and will reintroduce the accountability which has been lost within the service for too long.”

“As a Co Convenor of the Oireachtas Cross Party Group on Mental Health, I am particularly pleased with this announcement, as it will allow for the appointment of a new Director of Mental Health Services, which will ensure the €35 million that has been ring-fenced to address mental health issues will be put to the best possible use. The disjointed way in which the mental health budget is managed at present is just one example of how improving Governance within the HSE will lead to cost savings and better value for taxpayers.”

“I will continue to act as an advocate within the Dáil to ensure that Wicklow and East Carlow residents are able to access the best possible standards of health care.”