To ask the Minister of Health (i) for his assessment of the levels of antidepressants prescribed in Northern Ireland compared with other regions of the UK; and (ii) to detail how the use of talking therapies in Northern Ireland to treat depression and anxiety compares with other regions of the UK.

As noted in the General Pharmaceutical Services for Northern Ireland Annual Statistics 2023/24, it is difficult to directly compare dispensing levels across the UK due to differences in prescribing practices. It also notes that it is not possible to infer the medical conditions for which patients are being treated on the basis of the medications dispensed to them. Many medications, including anti-depressants, are used to treat multiple conditions.

My Department and I remain committed to the implementation of the Mental Health Strategy (MHS) 2021-2031, which fully recognises the benefits of non-pharmaceutical supports, for example talking therapies, for individuals struggling with their mental health, including those impacted by depression and anxiety. However, full implementation of the action to expand therapy hubs will require additional recurrent funding.