Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the expansion of the programme will occur on a CHO basis and in an integrated manner across mental health services in the primary care division and include a close relationship with the acute hospital groups. The point the Deputy made about people who present at accident and emergency departments and acute hospitals is critical.

In response to the Deputy's colleague Deputy Ward, Ms Niamh Wallis, the head of service of the mid-west mental health service, has stated that the national office, along with a consultant psychiatrist, is leading on the development of a model of care for dual diagnosis that will be used nationally. This is a positive development for the mid-west, the nation as a whole and the people who require the support and intervention of this team.

A clinical lead is in place. The pilot programme is in place in the mid-west, with anticipation and funding in place to roll out this programme nationally. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy that it is a critically important area for people who present with complex assessments and needs in dual diagnoses. As we have outlined, the response to date has been co-ordinated and there is significant movement happening on this.

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