Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 297: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for children to access mental health services; and the number of in-patient places available for children. [11253/07]

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. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years. "A Vision for Change" recommends that child and adolescent mental health services should provide mental health services to all aged 0-18 years.

Currently there are 10 child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient beds in the public sector for the under 16 age group, 4 at St. Anne's in Galway and 6 at Warrenstown House in Dublin. A further 12 beds will be provided this year in these units i.e. 6 additional beds in each unit. There are also 12 dedicated beds in the private sector (St. John of God, Stillorgan, Dublin). Four purpose built, 20 bed Child and Adolescent Units will be developed in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick in line with 'A Vision for Change'. These projects are at an advanced planning stage and have secured funding through the HSE Capital Programme 2006-2010.

As an interim measure pending the development of child and adolescent in-patient units, the provision of an additional 24-32 dedicated adolescent psychiatric beds, primarily for the 16 and 17 year age group, across the four HSE administrative areas is being progressed by the HSE. Dedicated child and adolescent multidisciplinary teams will be provided for these additional beds and training will be provided for staff in the identified units.

The Mental Health Commission acknowledges that the admission of children to adult units is undesirable, however, in situations where there is no available alternative, such admissions may be necessary. The Commission has issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 to ensure that the best interests of children are protected at all times.

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