Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the findings of the recent study by the Health Research Board which showed that one in three patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals in 2001 were readmitted at least once during the following five years; if community mental health services will be improved to address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29956/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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This Report is the first study by the Health Research Board on re-admissions to Irish psychiatric units and hospitals. It examines the re-admission rate between 2001 and 2005.

The study found that re-admission will continue to be a feature for patients with recurring or enduring mental illnesses. It is appropriate that such patients be admitted and discharged as clinically indicated and not become part of a long stay population as would have been the norm in the past.

Since 2005, the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change" has been published. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service for a seven to ten year period. This policy envisions an active, flexible and community-based mental health service where the need for hospital admission will be greatly reduced.

Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change" is a matter primarily for the HSE. In July 2006, the HSE established an implementation group to ensure that mental health services develop in a synchronised and consistent manner across the country. The HSE intend to publish an implementation plan shortly which is to include a timed and prioritised set of short, medium and longer termgoals.

I expect the HSE to take account of the findings in this report. The Health Research Board is to be commended for this study. Studies like this, repeated at regular intervals, will provide us with useful indicators on the extent and effectiveness of implementation of policy.