Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his views regarding youth mental health (details supplied); the actions he proposes or has instigated to address the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5745/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy can be assured of this Government's commitment to youth mental health and to the development of the child and adolescent mental health service. Of course many factors affect the mental health of young people and I fully accept that youth is a very vulnerable time. In these circumstances, it is I believe critical, that we provide within our communities, the kinds of supports young people require. By ensuring early access to appropriate interventions we can help to prevent a lifetime of needless pain and suffering.

In this regard the Government will reform our model of healthcare delivery so that more care is delivered in the community; access to modern mental health services in the community will therefore be significantly improved. It is proposed to ringfence €35m annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services for both adults and children. It is hoped that the provision of such services will put an end to the practice of placing children and adolescents in adult psychiatric facilities.