Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the Government's mental health policy is cognisant of the link with gender based violence and mental health risk, as advised by the World Health Organisation; the measures planned to ensure that links and referral protocols are devised, nationally and locally, between mental health services and services that provide specialised expert counselling and support for women who experience gender based violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12520/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government is committed to the full implementation of "A Vision for Change" the report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy and has accepted the report as the basis for the future development of mental health services. Although "A Vision for Change" does not specifically mention gender based violence, it identifies violence as one of the risks that may lead to mental health problems. The Report recommends a mental health system that addresses the needs of the population through a focus on the requirements of the individual and that mental health promotion programmes should particularly focus on those interventions known to enhance protective factors and decrease risk factors for developing mental health problems.

The Deputy may be aware that the National Strategy for Women (NWS) has been prepared by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is a wide-ranging document, covering many aspects of women's lives. The Strategy, which is to be launched later this month clearly endorses the Mental Health Strategy, A Vision for Change. The ongoing work of the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women, chaired by Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Frank Fahey, is an ongoing mechanism for addressing issues relating to gender based violence.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken to ensure a right of access to mental health advocacy services for all users of the mental health services, as outlined in A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12521/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government is committed to the full implementation of "A Vision for Change" the report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy and has accepted the report as the basis for the future development of mental health services. "A Vision for Change" recommends that advocacy should be available as a right to all service users in all mental health services in all parts of the country. Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. The HSE established an implementation group in July 2006 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.

In recent years significant funding has been provided to support the work of advocacy groups in the mental health area. These groups include the Irish Advocacy Network, Schizophrenia Ireland, Grow, Steer, Aware, Mental Health Ireland and Bodywhys. In recognition of the key role of advocacy related to hospital admission and detention, peer advocacy is now available at all psychiatric acute admission sites, many community service sites and the Central Mental Hospital.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 310: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken by her Department to provide dedicated funding for mental health service research, as recommended in A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12522/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Research Board (HRB) is the statutory body with responsibility for improving health through research and information. My Department provides funding for mental health research to the HRB as part of its overall vote. The Mental Health Research Division (MHRD) of the Health Research Board carries out national and international research, information gathering and the dissemination of research outcomes on mental health in Ireland. The Division manages and reports on the National Psychiatric In-Patient Reporting System (NPIRS) and is developing COMCAR — a system which collects information on community psychiatric services. Both databases will inform on policy and planning for mental health services nationally and regionally. In addition, research is an integral part of the work of the Health Service Executive and the Mental Health Commission.