Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will validate the continued investment (details supplied) in inpatient treatment despite the fact that community care has been her policy since 1984. [33892/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Policy for the development of mental health services is outlined in 'A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The aim is to migrate from traditional institutional based model to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service, where need for hospital admission is greatly reduced, whilst still providing in-patient care when appropriate.

Implementation of the recommendations in 'A Vision for Change' is primarily the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). In April 2009 the HSE adopted an implementation plan for the five year period 2009 — 2013. In addition, a joint research initiative between the Mental Health Commission, the University of Limerick and the HSE is underway to examine the functioning and effectiveness of Community Mental Health Teams. The HSE will shortly appoint a national lead for mental health which will bring a new impetus to the implementation of 'A Vision for Change'.