Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the procedure for the Inspector of Mental Hospitals to arrange visits to hospitals; if these take place without the prior knowledge of the hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19322/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001, the previous office of the inspector of mental hospitals has been replaced with the office of the inspector of mental health services, which is part of the Mental Health Commission. Dr. Teresa Carey has been appointed to the position of inspector of mental health services and, together with her team of assistant inspectors, has commenced a programme of inspections.

The Mental Health Act 2001 requires the inspector of mental health services to visit and inspect every approved centre each year and to visit and inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided, as the inspector thinks appropriate. The procedure for such visits is a matter for the inspector of mental health services and the mental health commission. The inspector's review of the services, including reports of inspections carried out, is published with the mental health commission's annual report and is laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. The inspector's first comprehensive annual report is expected to be presented before the end of this month.