Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will produce a step by step plan including a timeframe for each action demonstrating the way he will deliver on the promise to close unsuitable psychiatric institutions, improve access to modern mental health services in the community and implement A Vision for Change; and if so, when. [5824/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Government policy on mental health incorporates the recommendations of A Vision for Change; the closure of the old psychiatric hospitals and the transfer of patients to more appropriate community based settings is central to A Vision for Change and is therefore a priority for the Government. The evidence is overwhelming that a modern mental health service is best delivered in the community and as close to service users as possible. In these circumstances the Government is committed to improving access to modern mental health services in the community, and will ringfence €35m annually from within the health budget, to develop community mental health teams and services to ensure early access to more appropriate services, and improved integration with primary care services. As the implementation of A Vision for Change is primarily a matter for the HSE, the Deputy's request for details of a step by step plan has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.