Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the overall mental health service staffing level is maintained and that funding for posts is preserved at the level of budget 2011 to allow recruitment of staff to reconfigure services towards a Vision for Change model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26668/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied) regarding mental health reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26669/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Health if he will adequately resource the directorate for mental health services to ensure that it contains the necessary change, management capacity and skills to drive implementation of a Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26674/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that reduced welfare spending does not negatively impact on the mental health of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Health if he will invest in supports that effectively link persons with a mental health problem with work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26676/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 180: To ask the Minister for Health in the absence of a funding stream under the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government for tenancy sustainment support, if he will ensure that rehabilitation and recovery teams are adequately resourced to provide ongoing support to persons with a mental health problem to enable them to live independently in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26677/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 and 177 to 180, inclusive, together.

This Government is committed to implementing A Vision for Change and reforming our model of health care delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in the community which will facilitate access to housing, education and employment. A Vision for Change also recognised that all citizens should be treated equally and that access to housing and employment for individuals with mental health problems should be on the same basis as any other citizen.

It is further the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. In addition, as 90% of mental health needs are dealt with at primary care level, the Government is committed to developing closer links between mental health services and primary care. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.

An Assistant National Director with specific responsibility for Mental Health was appointed by the HSE in 2009 to oversee the implementation of A Vision for Change. I have now asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. Issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will be examined in this context.

Undoubtedly, the current economic situation is having an effect on people's mental health and well being. The impact of unemployment and the strain of financial difficulties on physical and mental health are well known. In this regard, following consultation with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Citizens Information Centres, the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention launched the 'Tough Economic Times' programme in 2009. 150,000 information leaflets highlighting the practical things we can do to protect our mental health were produced for the public as well as a guidance book for organisations which advises how to prepare staff to recognise and respond to mental health related problems. The HSE continues to deliver the mental health awareness campaigns – 'Your Mental Health' and the 'Let some one know' campaign which is aimed at young people.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure adequate capital funding in 2012 to continue the closure of psychiatric hospitals and transfer of service users to appropriate community based accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26673/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government's policy on mental health incorporates the recommendations of Vision for Change. This Government is committed to reducing the stigma of mental illness, ensuring early and appropriate intervention and vastly improving access to modern mental health services in the community. The Programme for Government states that unsuitable psychiatric institutions will be closed and patients including those with intellectual disabilities and older people in the care of the mental health services will be provided with more appropriate community based facilities. Children and adolescents will be provided with appropriate in-patient accommodation.

The Health Service Executive has achieved considerable progress in recent years in providing appropriate accommodation and its capital programme supports the Government's commitments as set out in the Programme for Government. The Executive's Capital Plan 2011-2015, which is published on its website set out its planned programme including mental health infrastructure. For example 10 x 6 bed bungalows have been provided for people with intellectual disabilities who were previously resident at St Ita's Portrane. New in-patient accommodation for children and adolescent services has been provided - 20 beds each at Bessboro in Cork and St Anne's Galway. At St Vincent's Fairview, six child & adolescent beds have been provided, a further six beds are under construction and it is planned to deliver a further eight. Hostel accommodation is being provided at Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Islandbridge, Crumlin, and St John's Enniscorthy. Long term residential accommodation is under construction at Wexford, Mullingar and the accommodation provided at Ballinasloe is operational. Acute mental health departments on acute hospital campuses are at different stages of delivery - Beaumont at construction; OLOL Drogheda at design stage; Letterkenny opened in recent days.

The Programme for Government provided for a Comprehensive Spending Review which is now well under way. This exercise includes a review of the planned health care capital programme. The outcomes of this review will determine the health care capital allocations for 2012 and future years.