Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 388: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department and the Health Service Executive will assist, with proper back-up services, persons with a mental illness and a history of violence; and if assistance will be given to their families and assaults in the community reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25286/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

As the Deputy may be aware 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 is currently examining the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services including the provision of appropriate services for those with behavioural difficulties and is expected to complete its work later this year.