Dáil debates

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Priority Questions

Mental Health Services.

3:00 pm

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied with the inpatient services for children and young adults; her views on whether it is unacceptable that 247 children were admitted to adults centres in 2008; if the dedicated 80 beds in child and adolescent units will be delivered in 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45898/09]

Photo of John MoloneyJohn Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his reply. Do I infer from his remarks that it was completely inappropriate to place 247 children in adult psychiatric units? The psychiatric profession has expressed concerns in respect of this matter for some time. I welcome the fact that the Minister of State made a commitment with regard to this matter. His predecessors in the Department made commitments in respect of four areas that were identified in A Vision for Change. One of those areas is Limerick, to which the Minister of State did not refer in his reply. The mid-west is in urgent need of facilities similar to those provided in Cork, Galway and Dublin. Will the Minister of State comment on the information emanating from Temple St. Children's University Hospital to the effect that children as young as five years of age are attempting suicide and engaging in self-harm?

Photo of John MoloneyJohn Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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A fortnight ago I came before the Joint Committee on Health and Children and indicated that the Government would honour its commitment on the child and adolescent units that will contain 100 beds in all. I also indicated on that day that I would return to the committee in February with clear and decisive commitments in respect of this matter. I am not ignoring arguments to the effect that Limerick should be included in this regard. I asked the committee for its indulgence until February on this matter.

The Deputy will recognise that there has been a significant increase in the number of child and adolescent beds. I accept, however, that this increase is not enough. Neither I nor the Minister for Health and Children have ever pretended that half the required number is adequate. The commitment to 100 beds remains in place. The target in this regard was set when A Vision for Change first appeared and it is now being brought forward.

I cannot comment specifically on reports that children as young as five years of age have attempted suicide. The priority in the mental health area always has been the provision of early intervention. That will be proven over the next few weeks and we will return to the matter in February. The commitment was to ensure adequate child and adolescent mental health beds. I appreciate the work of Deputy Neville and the Department will have proposals in February for dealing with mental health in the best way, with the added aim of ensuring that we reduce the number of suicides, specifically those of children and adolescents.

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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The McCarthy report recommended that €50 million be removed from mental health services. Does the Minister of State have views on this? From some of his statements, it seems that he does not accept this. Can he confirm this is correct?

Photo of John MoloneyJohn Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Like Deputy Neville, I do not want to make a menu of the McCarthy report. We cannot pick and choose. I am satisfied with the commitment of the Minister, Deputy Harney, to mental health. The McCarthy report made recommendations but I prefer to see the outcome of the budget before I comment on that.