John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The development of child and adolescent mental health services is a priority for me and the Government. Inpatient capacity has doubled since 2007. Two new child and adolescent units opened in 2009, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, and St. Stephen's Hospital, Cork. This brings total inpatient capacity to 30. Some time ago I appeared on "Prime Time" and outlined this point when asked about the Government's policy on child and adolescent beds. I have not been invited back since to provide information on our commitment in this regard.

Two 20-bed units are currently under construction at Bessboro, Cork, and Merlin Park, Galway. I am advised that these beds will be commissioned in 2010. The HSE mental health capital programme, which will be funded from the proceeds of the sales of the old psychiatric hospitals, will be also finalised shortly. This will provide for further beds in the child and adolescent mental health service, in line with the recommendations in A Vision for Change. The number currently available is 50, while A Vision for Change recommends 100. The Government is intent on selling the assets to which I refer to ensure this area will be prioritised and targeted.

I recognise the undesirability of admitting children to units providing care and treatment to adults. In the absence of an alternatives, however, I must accept that such admissions are sometimes necessary in the best interests of the child. The Mental Health Commission has issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 which outlines the arrangements and facilities that should be put in place to ensure the protection and safety of such children. The commission recently issued an addendum to this code of practice which seeks to ensure that by 1 December 2011, no child under 18 years will be admitted to an adult psychiatric unit. I am of the view that this commitment will be honoured.

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