Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 449: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding Mental Health - A Vision for Change; when he will be appointing a secretariat to advance this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19953/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government has prioritised the reform of mental health services in line with A Vision for Change. The implementation of A Vision for Change is primarily the responsibility of the HSE. In November, 2009, the HSE appointed an Assistant National Director for Mental Health to ensure that the delivery of mental health services is in line with legislation and Government policy. I am currently engaged in discussions with officials with a view to establishing a Directorate within the HSE and I hope to be in a position to make a decision on this over the coming months.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the sale of mental health facilities; the facilities that have been sold since 2002; the amount of finance realised from such sales; if the money raised has been ring-fenced for the provision of mental health facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19954/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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My Department has requested this information from the HSE and I will be in contact with the Deputy on its receipt.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 451: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the number of beds available for adolescents in counties Dublin, Wicklow and Carlow who need to be hospitalised due to mental health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19955/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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There are currently 52 child and adolescent in-patient beds nationally - 12 in Dublin, 20 in Cork and 20 in Galway. It is proposed to provide further beds in the Dublin region and, in this regard, work is due to commence later this year on the second phase of the child and adolescent unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview which will increase capacity from 6 to 12 beds, and on the development of an 8 bedded facility at St Loman's, Palmerstown. In addition, work on the Linn Dara Child and Adolescent Mental Health Day Facility in Cherry Orchard, Dublin is expected to be completed by September 2011. It is anticipated that this facility will provide day care and treatment for children and adolescents with mental health needs and will obviate the need for some admissions.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the length of time an adolescent has to wait to see a psychiatrist in the Dublin, Wicklow and Carlow area; the plans in place to improve this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19956/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.