Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Connolly is absolutely right in that we do not need to reinvent A Vision for Change completely. It was an excellent document and it provided the basic architecture for the development of mental health services in Ireland. More than 80% of the recommendations have been implemented but as with other areas of the health services, a key issue is the recruitment and retention of staff. I have already shown the Deputy the improvements that have been made in the areas of child mental health, for example. The same is true of the adult mental health services. There is further work to be done.

The first stage of the review, to be published in two to three weeks, will address the issues. The review is an evidence-based report and is based on experience internationally and in Ireland. This will influence the further implementation of A Vision for Change. It is about continuing to implement what was originally outlined in A Vision for Change but bringing it up to date and accelerating some initiatives, especially the provision of a 24-hour service seven days per week.

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