Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in implementing the specific recommendation on the mental health needs for people with an intellectual disability as contained in a Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20910/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, 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, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services.

Responsibility for the implementation of the Report is a matter for the HSE and in this regard an Implementation Plan has now been approved by the HSE. The plan sets out six key priorities for implementation in 2008 and 2009, including mental health services for people with an intellectual disability. It is understood from the HSE that considerable work in planning the reconfiguration of mental health services for people with an intellectual disability was undertaken in 2007 following the Report of the Forum on Mental Health and Intellectual Disability. That Report also had regard to the recommendations included in 'A Vision for Change'. Further progress on the reconfiguration of services, in association with the voluntary partners, is anticipated in 2008.