Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 878: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the provision of hospital beds for minors with acute mental health problems in the Dublin region. [2419/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 879: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made regarding the provision of community based mental health services for people of all ages in the Dublin region. [2420/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 879 together.

Increased investment in mental health services has accelerated the move from institutionally provided services to community-based services and has provided for increases in the number of consultant psychiatrists in the public health service. The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It 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 allocated for the development of mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multi-disciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

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. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.