Mental health agency staff bills up €40m

MONEY spent on agency staff for mental health services has rocketed by almost €40million since 2013, it has been revealed.

Nearly €13million was forked out in the first three months of 2018 while 2017 saw €53million spent – compared to €14.3million in 2013.

And Fianna Fail TD James Browne has called on the Government to engage better on direct recruitment.

Mr Browne said: “It will give those requiring mental health services the benefit of being able to build a relationship with a full-time care provider and not a temporary stand-in.”