Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

38. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the independent monitoring group set up to monitor the implementation of A Vision for Change and which sat for two periods, 2006-2009 and 2009-2012, did not sit after 2012 given that it was a fundamental recommendation in A Vision for Change; his plans, if any, to reconvene such a monitoring group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20607/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In January 2006, the Government adopted the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy 'A Vision for Change' as the basis for the future development of mental health services in Ireland. In March 2006, the Government, in line with a recommendation in 'A Vision for Change', established the First Independent Monitoring Group for a three-year period to monitor progress on the implementation of the report recommendations. The term of the first group ceased in April 2009 and in June 2009 the Government appointed the Second Independent Monitoring Group for a further three-year period. The Second group delivered its final report in 2011 and subsequently the Government dissolved the group as the three year term had come to an end.

'A Vision for Change' has guided national mental health policy for the past 10 years and its term comes to an end this year. The Department published a request for tender on 27^thJune 2016 for a review and analysis of international evidence and best practice in the development of mental health services, including a review of current delivery of services in Ireland. This review will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of 'A Vision for Change'. The review will also have regard to both human rights and health and well-being objectives. At that stage, the exact timeframe for completion of the revised policy direction will be determined by the planned analysis outlined above. When the review is completed, the Department will examine the output and will then decide on the need for a monitoring group to oversee any required policy changes.