Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 323: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when she will set up the provision of proper living conditions for patients within the mental health services (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24871/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Government policy in the area of mental health care is to provide care in the community by offering the right level of intervention and support to enable people with psychiatric and psychological difficulties to achieve the maximum independence and control over their lives. We are continuing to develop a modern comprehensive community-based mental health service. This has resulted in a continuing decline in the number of inpatients with a corresponding increase in the provision of a range of care facilities based in the community to complement inpatient services.

The expert group on mental health policy is currently preparing a new national policy framework for the further modernisation of the mental health services, updating the 1984 policy document, Planning for the Future. The expert group which is examining the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, has a number of sub-groups looking at particular issues in mental health services. The group is expected to complete its work later this year.