The head of the HSE will tell an Oireachtas committee that demand is outstripping the supply of staff for its Mental Health Services.
In his opening statement to the Public Accounts Committee tomorrow, Paul Reid is expected to report that "the availability of skilled staff is a significant issue in Mental Health Services".
"Demand outstrips supply", Mr Reid will say, "where our workforce, particular younger staff, are availing of employment opportunities outside of Ireland".
However, he says the HSE continues "to have a strong focus on mitigating these risks".
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley, told RTÉ News ahead of the session that he will focus on recruitment targets.
Deputy Stanley also intends to explore difficulties the HSE has had in "utilising expenditure provided by the Oireachtas to improve and expand services".
Mr Reid will say that Mental Health Services expenditure in 2020 was over €1 billion, amounting to more than 5% of total expenditure.
And an additional €24 million has been allocated to Mental Health Services this year.
He will insist that "continued investment" has enabled "a shift from institutional to community care".
In terms of staffing, Mr Reid will point to "a net growth of 1,441 Whole Time Equivalent posts" over the past decade.
This is alongside increases in agency staff and overtime, "amounting to 789 Whole Time Equivalent posts" since 2012.
However, he acknowledges that the Owenacurra Centre, in Midleton, Co Cork, is "no longer fit for purpose".
The 11 people who avail of its mental health services will be moved to "more appropriate accommodation".
"This process will be handled with sensitivity and with regard to the wishes and preferences of each individual resident", Mr Reid will say.
He will point to progress in several areas, including modernising services, promoting positive mental health and mounting prompt interventions when problems develop.
And several "detailed multi-annual plans will provide a clear road map for the continued development of Mental Health Services in Ireland", he will say.
