Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A Vision for Change came to the end of its ten year term in 2016.  Preparations for a review and an updating of policy have been underway since early last year. An external evidence and expert review was completed in February 2017 providing a review of international best practice and the experience of implementing A Vision for Change.

An oversight group has been established to oversee the development of a refreshed policy for mental health based on the recommendations arising out of the expert review. The policy review process will also involve consultation with key stakeholders.

An independent Chairperson, Hugh Kane, was appointed last summer and the remaining membership of the group was fully finalised in October last year. The oversight group members are as follows: Hugh Kane, Chair; Liam Hennessy, HSE head of mental health engagement; Dr. Philip Dodd, national clinical adviser and clinical programme group lead for mental health; Dr Amanda Burke, executive clinical director on Galway-Roscommon mental health services; Dr. Fiona Keogh, senior research fellow, National University of Ireland, Galway; Martha Griffin, expert by experience; Dr. Shari McDaid, director of mental health reform; Yvonne O’Neill, HSE head of planning, performance and programme management; Dr. Brian Osborne, GP, Irish College of General Practitioners; Leo Kinsella, head of service mental health, CHO1; and Gregory Canning, principal officer from the mental health unit in the Department of Health.

The terms of reference of the oversight group entail the review and updating of A Vision for Change. As they are detailed, I am arranging for a copy of the group's detailed terms of reference to be supplied to the Deputy.

The terms of reference require the group to produce "an updated draft policy framework which sets out current and future service priorities within a time-bound implementation plan". However, there is a not an explicit reference to an independent implementation body and this matter will be given consideration once the nature of the group's recommendations are clearer.

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