Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the practice of placing children and adolescents with mental health problems in adult wards will end; the plans for the period 2010 to 2015 in respect of child and adolescent psychiatric beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10416/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Mental Health Commission has issued a code of practice relating to the admission of children under the Mental Health Act 2001 which outlines arrangements and facilities that should be put in place to ensure the protection and safety of such children. An addendum to this code of practice was issued by the Commission in June 2009 and provides that;

a) No child under 16 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st July 2009;

b) No child under 17 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2010; and

c) No child under 18 years is to be admitted to an adult unit in an approved centre from 1st December 2011.

If, in exceptional circumstances, the admission of a child to an adult unit in an approved centre occurs, the approved centre is obliged to submit a detailed report to the Mental Health Commission outlining why the admission has taken place.

The HSE has prioritised the development of mental health services for children and adolescents. During 2009 the bed capacity for children and adolescents almost doubled, bringing the total number of in-patient beds to 30. In addition, construction commenced on two purpose built 20-bed units in Cork and Galway. The Deputy's query regarding plans for child and adolescent psychiatric beds from 2010 to 2015 has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.