Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Everybody is concerned about the phenomenon of suicide and its tragic consequences in any family for whatever reason. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, dealt very capably with the report in recent days, both in respect of her advice that she was awaiting two reports to be brought before us and the progress made since A Vision for Change was published in 2006. She has made it clear that the recommendations made in the reports from the Mental Health Commission inspectorate are taken very seriously, as they should be. Today's report highlights the progress made since A Vision for Change was published in 2006. Further work must be done and that is evident. The report states:

Although most residences are too large, overall the care and treatment of residents in 24-hour supervised residences has improved since 2005 and it appears that the major factor influencing this improvement has been the move of clinical care to rehabilitation teams and the consequent implementation of individual multidisciplinary care planning.

Since 2012 the Government has prioritised the reform of mental health services and allocated an additional €90 million and 1,100 posts, primarily to strengthen the community mental health teams for both adults and children, enhance specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness and those with an intellectual disability and forensic mental health services in line with A Vision for Change which everybody accepted.

The aim is to move away from the old-style psychiatric hospitals to provide care in a more flexible, community-based mental health service. Everyone agrees with that policy. The HSE's national service plan 2014 is underpinned by a detailed mental health operational plan for the year. This is an issue of which the Minister is very cognizant. Consultation took place with all of the relevant professionals.

Where suicide occurs it is a tragedy for those concerned and their immediate families and a matter of serious importance for Government. In respect of the issue of some high support hostels having more than ten beds, the HSE has committed to reviewing the arrangements that apply. For Deputy Adams's information, it is important to note that all residents in 24-hour staffed hostels receive a mental health service and are supported either by a rehabilitation team or an adult community mental health team. Clearly, we have work to do for the future, but the report today from Dr. Susan Finnerty spells out the progress which has been made.

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