Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 237: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her Department's policy with regard to the acceptable waiting time for the provision of referred services to children for psychiatry, psychology, social work and speech and language; the waiting time following referral for first appointment; the waiting time for appropriate therapy to commence; if there are delays in any of these disciplines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24801/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services, including child and adolescent psychiatry were considered in the context of the work of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Government published the Group's report entitled "A Vision for Change" in January, 2006.

The Report provides a framework that outlines a set of values that will guide both Government and service providers in developing a modern, high quality mental health service in the next7-10 years.

Under the Health Act 2004 the management and delivery of health and personal social services, including waiting times for the disciplines referred to by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. 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.