Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 218: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide community alternatives to psychiatric in-patient care for young people with special education needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18336/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A Vision for Change — the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. Recommendations in the Report are consistent with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recognises that responding to children's mental health needs can be conceptualised at different levels, ranging from early intervention and health promotion programmes, to primary and community care services and specialist mental heath services for the treatment of complex disorders.

Implementation of A Vision for Change is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). A total of €11.2 million funding has been provided to the HSE in 2006 and 2007 for the development of child and adolescent mental health services. It is noted that the HSE has prioritised the development of child and adolescent services in 2008; these developments include the recruitment of 8 additional Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health teams.