Seán Haughey (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 204: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her strategy in relation to mental health; the progress being made regarding the implementation of A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43214/06]

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. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. 'A Vision for Change' 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 was provided for the development of our mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated for 2007 to continue this development.

In March 2006, I appointed an independent monitoring group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations of 'A Vision for Change'. The group will monitor and assess progress on the implementation of all the recommendations including those which fall under the responsibility of the HSE, government departments and other relevant agencies.

Implementation of the recommendations in 'A Vision for Change' is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE recently established an implementation group to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country and to guide and resource service managers and clinicians in making the recommendations in 'A Vision for Change' a reality. Both of these groups will play an important role in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented in a co-ordinated and timely manner.