Question from Deputy Johnny Guirke - PQ 12234-26

To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the current level of provision and staffing of acute mental health services for older adults ( noting that the Mental Health Commission reported in 2020 that only 66% of the recommended number of specialist teams were in place and that these teams were staffed to just 54% of recommended levels; in light of a 2024 report by the Irish Times which found nearly 800 people waiting six months or longer for counselling services); the waiting times, broken down by health region and age range, for the counselling in primary care service, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter.