The psychiatrically ill and those who attempt to care for them are facing a "bleak future", the chairman of the Psychiatric Nurses; Association (PNA) said today.
Speaking at the PNA's 31st Annual Conference in Cavan, Mr Gerry Coone said despite the money being spent on the health service, the services were disintegrating and psychiatric care was being ignored.
"In four years there has been an increase of 66 per cent in administrative staff and only a 15 per cent increase in the number of nurses," he said.
"You may well ask how many psychiatry got . . . the answer is none, we actually lost 100 nurses during this period; and we are now set to lose more as part of cutbacks".
Mr Coone contrasted the Government's spending on promoting road safety, €22 million, with suicide-preventative measures, €1.5 million, even though as many people kill themselves as die on our roads.
He welcomed the appointment of a Minister of State with special responsibility for Health but warned it was time for the Government to "cut out the waste and increase resources available to mental health.
"We do not criticise the purchase of a new jet nor the new fleet of cars nor even the pay increase. But we do say: having appointed a Minister with special responsibility, that Minister must now deliver before the expiry of this Government or the reputations of all concerned will surely be sullied forever," he said.
