Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the strategy and timetable for the implementation of the new national policy framework for mental health, A Vision for Change; the way she proposes to ensure that all Government Departments will be involved in the implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21404/09]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way she plans to ensure that their policy on mental health as expressed in A Vision for Change is fully implemented; the way she will ensure that all Government Departments implement the recommendations relevant to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21425/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 209 together.

'A Vision for Change' provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. Implementation of the recommendations in the Report is primarily the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). In February 2008, the HSE adopted an interim implementation plan which set out six key priorities for 2008 and 2009. An implementation plan for implementing 'A Vision for Change' over the five year period 2009 - 2013 was approved by the HSE in April 2009 and is currently being considered by the Department.

The HSE recently confirmed that a national lead dedicated to mental health will be appointed. The person assigned to the position will work closely with the National Clinical Director to drive the modernisation of mental health services.

In January 2008, the Government established the Office for Disability and Mental Health as a cross-cutting Government Office with a remit across four Government Departments: Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Office was assigned four key priorities one of which is to bring a new impetus to the implementation of 'A Vision for Change' working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders including other Government Departments to achieve implementation of agreed targets. The Office aims to bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health difficulties, by working to develop person-centred services, focusing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care. Bilateral meetings with officials from other Government Departments to discuss progressing recommendations in 'A Vision for Change' and 'Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention take place within this context.