Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 295: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if there will be added provision in her Departmental budget for a mental health awareness programme aimed at addressing the increasing problems faced by young people with regard to body image; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40598/06]

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

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. This provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million has been allocated for the further development of our mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. This includes funding of €1.2 million for suicide prevention initiatives.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.