James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 248: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the budget 2007 financial allocation of €25 million for the implementation of 'A Vision for Change' was fully expended on that purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22542/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Department of Health and Children has been advised by the Health Service Executive that some of the development funding provided for mental health services in 2007 was not used as planned because of competing expenditure pressures and the overriding obligation on the HSE to live within its overall Vote. Consequently, some of the planned developments in mental health services have been delayed; however, it is anticipated that some of these delayed developments will be put in place in 2008. These include:

the recruitment of 12 additional Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrists and associated multi-disciplinary support.

the provision of 18 additional beds for children and adolescents at St. Anne's, Galway, St. Vincent's, Fairview and St. Stephen's Hospital, Cork, to increase the bed complement from the current provision of 12, to 30 during 2008.

The implementation of a 'A Vision for Change' is a key priority for the recently established Office for Disability and Mental Health. By working in partnership with the HSE to achieve the agreed targets, it is expected that the Office will bring a new impetus to the implementation of 'A Vision for Change'.