Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the implementation of the Government's strategy on mental health, A Vision for Change; the funding available for the implementation of this strategy in 2009; the progress she expects to be made in 2009 on implementing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1703/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, 'A Vision for Change' provides a framework for action to develop modern, high quality mental health services over a seven to ten year period. Some 80% of the recommendations of the Report are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. In January 2008, the HSE published an interim implementation plan for 'A Vision for Change' and progress was made in advancing the plan's key priorities The priorities identified included:

Catchment Area Definition and Clarification;

Modernisation of the Mental Health Infrastructure;

Community Based Mental Health Teams;

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams;

Mental Health Services for People with Intellectual Disability;

Mental Health Information Systems.

A more detailed implementation plan has been prepared by the HSE and will be completed following finalisation of their new structures.

Funding has been provided in 2009 for an 35 additional therapist posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. Once-off funding of €1.75 million is also being provided in 2009 for suicide prevention initiatives and mental health projects supporting service users and carers.