Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in implementing the comprehensive recommendations for mental health service reform set out in the Vision for Change strategy published in January 2006; the progress made towards the attainment of targets set for service delivery in the area of mental health; if she will adopt an implementation plan for A Vision for Change with detailed annual targets, timeframes and human and financial resource commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2994/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Implementation of 'A Vision for Change' is primarily the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. In February 2008, the HSE approved an Implementation Plan which sets out six key priorities for 2008 and 2009. These priorities which have been progressed include:

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 draft implementation plan for 2009 and beyond has been prepared and will be finalised by the HSE following completion of the new structure currently being developed in the Health Service Executive.

In January 2008, the Office for Disability and Mental Health was established. The Office will bring a new impetus to the implementation of the Report through working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders.