James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to provide community alternatives to psychiatric inpatient care for young people with special education needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30035/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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A Vision for Change'- the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. Recommendations in the Report are consistent with commitments in the Programme for Government.

The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recognises that responding to children's mental health needs can be conceptualised at different levels, ranging from early intervention and health promotion programmes, to primary and community care services and specialist mental health services for the treatment of complex disorders.

Implementation of 'A Vision for Change' is primarily the responsibility of the HSE, and in this regard, the development of child and adolescent mental health services has been prioritised in 2009. At present there are 55 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams in place throughout the country. The Service Plan 2009 provides that an additional 8 consultant led child psychiatry teams to further support the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services will be developed. In addition, funding was provided in Budget 2009 for the provision of 35 additional therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. This funding will enable the HSE to further increase the number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams by the end of 2009.