2. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of approved psychology posts, per population, in psychiatry of later life services across each health region; to indicate the integrated health areas that currently do not have approved psychology posts, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5414/26]

Sentiment score: 0.24

I am asking for the number of approved psychology posts, per population, in older adult mental health teams across each health region and for the Minister to indicate whether there are integrated health areas that currently do not have approved psychology posts for older adult mental health teams. To be clear, I am not just asking about vacancies where there has been an attempt to recruit but where a post has not actually been approved to be advertised.

Sentiment score: 0.21

I thank the Minister of State for following up that data. I do not doubt her bona fides in this area at all but it is not credible that the HSE would not have that data to hand. It is very basic. The importance of psychology as a core part of older adult mental health teams is long established Government policy. A Vision for Change in 2006 was explicit that older adult mental health services must be delivered through fully resourced multidisciplinary teams with psychology as a core part. That principle was reaffirmed in Sharing the Vision, which again recognised the essential role of psychology assessment and intervention for older adults. The failure to meet a benchmark that is 20 years old leaves older adults more reliant on medication and more at risk of physical health issues associated with declining mental health. The Mental Health Commission's latest annual electroconvulsive therapy activity report, which shows that in 2024 older adults formed a significant part of the population receiving ECT and the average age of a person receiving it has increased to 64, is also of great concern. There is also a well-established increased risk of unnecessary A and E admissions in older adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties. If we are serious about dignity, autonomy and quality of care for older adults, psychology cannot be seen as an optional add-on or a threadbare support.

Sentiment score: 0.30

The lack of adequate psychology staffing in older adult mental health teams represents a failure to meet the complexity of mental health needs of people in later life. It is also a failure by Government to meet wider obligations including under the UNCRPD, which emphasises access to appropriate mental health supports across the lifespan and the right to live in one's community with autonomy. Psychologists play a unique role in later life services supporting people to cope with ageing, loss, disability and cognitive decline. They work with families and carers reducing distress and behavioural symptoms, and helping people to remain autonomous for long as possible. My question is simple: what concrete steps is the Department taking to ensure that older adult mental health teams are staffed to the benchmarks that were established in 2006? Unfortunately Sharing the Vision did not include the same kinds of benchmarks, but that is the least we can expect. I hope the Minister of State will direct some criticism back to the HSE that it could not provide that basic information today. All it would take is an email to middle management to find that out.

Sentiment score: -0.01