Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 589: To ask the Minister for Health his priorities regarding the mental health sector taking into account concerns (details supplied) about the changes in the staffing levels in this sector over the coming years in view of the ban on recruitment for permanent posts and the non replacement of those retiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31402/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government has prioritised the reform of the mental health service in line with A Vision for Change. This commitment was clearly shown in the Programme for Government which provides for the ring-fencing of €35 million annually from within the overall health budget to develop community mental health services and to ensure early access to more appropriate services for adults and children. This is currently being considered as part of the Estimates process for 2012 and future years. My priority as Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health will be to further advance the implementation of A Vision for Change. I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific areas of priority that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, structures and identifiable person(s) responsible for driving the change including delivery on the commitments in our Programme for Government. Issues related to staffing levels particularly in community mental health teams will also be examined in this context.