Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 578: To ask the Minister for Health the number of admissions to mental health services in 2010 and 2011 which included persons suffering from drug induced psychosis; the number of first-time admissions involving persons who were drug users and subsequently developed a psychotic illness; in relation to the latter, the number who were under the age of 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26886/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Health Research Board (HRB) manages the National Psychiatric In–Patient Reporting System which collects information on in-patient activity in psychiatric hospitals and units. The latest Annual Report published by the HRB on Activities in Irish Psychiatric Hospitals and Units is for 2009. However, the HRB has indicated that of the 19,619 admissions to psychiatric hospitals and units in 2010, 966 had a diagnosis of Other Drug Disorders. There were 6,266 first admissions and of these 412 had a diagnosis of Other Drug Disorders. There were 176 first admissions under 25 years of age, 26 of which had a psychotic disorder occurring during or immediately after drug use (usually within 48 hours). This does not include late-onset psychotic disorders (with onset more than 2 weeks after substance use). There were no first admissions under 25 years of age reported for residual or late-onset psychotic disorder associated with psychoactive substance use.

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 579: To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm, in respect of general practitioners' referrals for patients with mental health problems, the overall number of persons waiting for an outpatient clinic; the number who are waiting less than three months; between three and six months; between six and 12 months; more than 12 months; the average waiting time per hospital in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26887/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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A working group, led by the Executive Clinical Directors, with Regional Mental Health Specialists, Information and Planning Specialists has been established to drive this process. A Pilot Project to collect data relating to the provision of community-based adult mental health services for general adult psychiatry and psychiatry of old age is underway. It is expected that the pilot phase will conclude later this year with the expectation that it will collect live data for analysis from early 2012.

It should be noted that the adult mental health services ensure an immediate response to cases identified by GPs as requiring emergency assessments. Arrangements are also in place to liaise with the mental health services where such an emergency arises out of hours and a patient presents to a hospital Emergency Department.