Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 182: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take following the revelation that only one in five persons here diagnosed with mental health problems have a job, even though 90% want to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35473/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware that there are many barriers to employment for people with mental health problems in particular social and personal barriers. Social barriers exist mainly due to the lack of understanding of severe mental illness in our society. This impacts not only on accessing employment but also on job retention for people in employment who may become unwell. Barriers to employment on a personal level will depend on the limitations of the individuals in question and the demands of the work environment.

As the Deputy may be aware, the mental health employment and training consultative forum is examining the provision of training and employment for people with mental health problems. This group includes representatives from the Health Service Executive, FÁS, Eastern Vocational Enterprises Limited, the national learning network and various voluntary organisations. I am informed the group is in the process of finalising its discussions.

While employment and training are not the responsibility of the mental health service providers, specialist rehabilitation mental health services liaise with the agencies which have statutory responsibility in this area. The development of specialist rehabilitation mental health services is being considered in the context of the work of the expert group on mental health policy which is due to complete its work shortly.