Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of child and adolescent mental health teams per county; the recommended staff allocation to each team; the actual staff allocated to each team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6242/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched in January 2006 and provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. It recommends the provision of two child and adolescent community multidisciplinary mental health teams per 100,000 of the population.

In September 2006, there were 45 child and adolescent mental health teams spread throughout the country. Additional funding was provided in 2006 and 2007 for the development of an additional 16 teams and the enhancement of existing teams.

A full multidisciplinary child and adolescent mental health team comprises 12 members and includes the following disciplines: consultant psychiatrist, non-consultant hospital doctor, psychiatric nurse, speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, clinical psychologist, social worker, child care worker and team secretary.

The HSE now has responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services including child and adolescent mental health services.