Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment. The Government has prioritised the development of the mental health service in line with A Vision for Change. In that context, it is committed to reforming our model of health care delivery in order that more and better quality care is delivered in the community. It is its intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. It is proposed to ring-fence €35 million annually from within the health budget specifically to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services for both adults and children. I am working with officials in the Department of Health and the HSE to deliver immediate and effective progress in this area.

Preventing and reducing the rate of suicide is an urgent public health issue that is at the centre of the Government's efforts and policies to build healthy and productive communities. Our policy strategy on suicide prevention, Reach Out, outlines the actions that must be taken to prevent suicide and deliberate self-harm and to increase awareness of the importance of good mental health. While much progress has been made in implementing these measures, one can never say one has done enough. It is essential that the Government continues to work and even redoubles its efforts. Members will be aware that an additional €1 million was provided this year to ensure the National Office for Suicide Prevention could build on initiatives to date. This special funding has enabled the office to target priority areas, which will make a real difference.

This year the focus will be on the further development of skills-based training and awareness programmes in suicide prevention, improving the response to those who deliberately self-harm, developing the capacity of primary care to help those presenting with suicidal behaviours, improving inter-agency co-ordination and the provision of a 24 hour emotional support helpline. I am sure Members also will be aware of the huge effort and commitment put into this area by my ministerial colleague, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who, among other things, has special responsibility for mental health and disability services. I know she is working hard to regain the momentum in implementing the excellent strategy on mental health, A Vision for Change, and I am confident she will be successful in bringing about the improvements everyone wishes to see in this critical area for vulnerable groups.

On the case referred to by the Senator, I understand that on 25 July an application was received on behalf of the person in question in the offices of HSE West for treatment under the E112 treatment abroad scheme. A report has been obtained from the HSE on the application for funding and the subsequent appeal of the initial decision. Unfortunately, the decision of the executive which the appeals officer has upheld is that the application does not meet the conditions of the scheme and funding cannot, therefore, be provided. I understand the application was not approved owing to the fact that a treatment plan was available locally in Galway and the view of the treating consultant psychiatrist is this treatment plan should be availed of in the first instance.

I have been informed the person in question was admitted to the psychiatric unit in her area on 26 August following self-presentation and is now under the care of a consultant psychiatrist. It is the latter's view that while the person in question could benefit from admission to the therapeutic service in the United Kingdom, there are treatment services available here from which the patient would benefit and these should be used in the first instance. The consultant psychiatrist will continue to consider the request for treatment abroad while the person in question is under the care of the psychiatrist's team. I hope the person in question will avail of the treatment options being made available and that the treatment will be successful for her.

I again thank the Senator for raising the matter.