Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Neville for raising this matter on the adjournment this afternoon. The case to which the Deputy referred is a tragic one and I extend my condolences to the family concerned. Every sudden death, from whatever cause, of a patient in psychiatric care is most regrettable. It would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail on any individual case. However, I am aware that in line with standard practice, the clinical director of the South Lee Mental Health Service submitted a report on the circumstances surrounding the death to which Deputy Neville referred to the Inspector of Mental Health Services.

Upon receipt of correspondence from a relative of the deceased in March 2005, my colleague the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'MaIley, sought a report in the matter from the Mental Health Commission. One of the statutory functions of the commission is to promote and foster high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services.

On 9 May, the Mental Health Commission informed the Department that it was seeking further information regarding this case from the southern area of the Health Service Executive. The commission has since confirmed that it has received the additional information requested and that it expects to be in a position to provide a report to the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'MaIley, in the near future.

As Deputy Neville is aware, the Minister of State has already indicated that he has decided to await completion of the final report of the Mental Health Commission before considering what further action may be required.

The Mental Health Commission has indicated that should recommendations arise which are applicable to all mental health service providers, they will be incorporated into the quality framework currently being developed by the commission. This framework includes the development of standards for mental health care, clinical governance and codes of practice. The inspections by the inspectorate of mental health services provide for the ongoing monitoring of such policies and standards by the Mental Health Commission.

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