Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 382: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to implement the recommendations contained in the last annual report of the inspector of mental health services. [25269/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I welcome the publication of the report of the inspector of mental health services and acknowledge the important role that the inspector plays in providing a clear and accurate account of services in the mental health sector throughout the country.

The report highlights the serious structural and operational challenges that exist within the mental health system as well as the opportunities that exist to make significant improvements. In this regard, the expert group on mental health policy, which I established in 2003 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 is examining the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services and is expected to complete its work later this year.

This year an additional €15 million has been invested in mental health service development and this is being complemented by €26 million capital funding to improve or replace outdated and inadequate infrastructure. My Department will continue to work closely with the inspector of mental health services, the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive to facilitate the service providers in bringing about the improvements and developments identified by the inspector as quickly as possible. I am fully committed to ensuring that the recommendations made in the report are followed up as soon as possible.