Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The report of the expert group on mental health policy, A Vision for Change, which was published in January 2006, sets out a comprehensive policy framework for our mental health services over a seven to ten year period. The report proposes an holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. Special emphasis is given to the need to involve service users and their families and carers at every level of service provision. Some misconceptions appear to have arisen on the funding requirement for the implementation of A Vision for Change and I welcome the opportunity here this evening to correct them.

The estimated additional cost of implementation is €150 million, that is, €21.6 million per year over seven years, or €15 million per year over ten years.

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