11 February 2003

PRESS STATEMENT

Irish College of Psychiatrists Supports Amnesty Position on Psychiatric Services

The Irish College of Psychiatrists, which represents over 500 psychiatrists in Ireland, supports the findings and views of Amnesty International in its recently published report – ‘Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope’. The Irish College is firmly of the view that our mental health services are seriously deficient – especially in regard to funding.

Dr. Colette Halpin, Chairperson of the Irish College of Psychiatrists, said today, "Our psychiatric services are suffering from years of neglect and general underfunding. Psychiatrists around the country deal with overcrowded clinics and lengthy waiting lists on an ongoing basis – and this has grave implications for our patients."

The Irish College is concerned that the continuing underfunding issue leaves psychiatrists and other service providers unable to meet even basic service provision requirements. The total expenditure of the mental health services has dropped to 7% of the overall health budget - and the increase in the Mental Health spend is minuscule, compared to other services, since 1997.

The Irish College is also concerned that ‘Planning for the Future (1984)’ is still not fully implemented – some nineteen years later. This document provided the blueprint for a fully comprehensive community based service – and we still await its full implementation. Overall services are still seriously lacking in terms of adolescent services and community based services are also inadequate. In 2001 the Government Health Strategy contained a recommendation to review the mental health services – and there has been no progress whatever on this.

There is also concern about the inequities in funding and service provision in different health board areas. This issue must be addressed in the interests of psychiatrists and their patients.

ENDS

Further information

Wally Young, Young Communications 01-6680530 or 087-2471520