John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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54. To ask the Minister for Health if he intends dismantling the current directorate structure of the mental health services; if so, the nature of the replacement; if the new structures that are put in place will have its own leadership and budget as was recommended in A Vision For Change only seven years ago and at the time was lauded as a milestone and an indication that mental health would no longer be neglected; if his attention has been drawn to the damage that lack of leadership and funding will have on mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29907/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Department is currently discussing with the Health Service Executive a proposal for the restructuring of senior management in the Executive. The rationale for these proposed changes is to provide more dedicated focus at the most senior level of the HSE on the twin challenges of improved operational performance in our health service on a day to day basis and the planning of a significant programme of change to equip the health service to better meet current and future health challenges.

Changes in the senior management structures within the HSE are a matter in the first instance for the Director General. Accordingly, I am referring the specific question to the Executive for direct reply.