Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 86: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her Departments plans to address the issues of poverty and social exclusion experienced by people with mental health problems; her views on the National Economic and Social Forum report in this regard; and the way its findings can be implemented. [13718/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, 'A Vision for Change', which was launched in January 2006, acknowledges links between social inclusion and mental ill-health and the pervasive impact of stigma and discrimination on those experiencing mental ill-health. The report provides strong evidence linking poverty and mental ill-health and recognises the impact that the lack of housing and education can have on an individual's mental health and wellbeing. 'A Vision for Change' makes a number of key recommendations designed to promote greater social inclusion for people with mental health problems. The National Economic and Social Forum's report on Mental Health and Social Inclusion is consistent with 'A Vision for Change'.

A key recommendation of the NESF report was the establishment of cross-departmental structures to address mental health and social inclusion. In January 2008, the Government announced the establishment of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. The Office is a cross-departmental Government office with functions in four Departments: Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Director of the Office is a member of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion.

The Office's functions include driving the recommendations of 'A Vision for Change', bringing a new impetus to the implementation of the Report through working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders to achieve implementation of agreed targets. The recommendations of the NESF report will inform the work of the Office in this regard.