James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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1013. To ask the Minister for Health when the independent monitoring group overseeing A Vision for Change last met; if it was disbanded, when this occurred; if any other alternative was put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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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 ten years and its term came to an end in 2016. The Department of Health, following a recent request for tender, awarded a contract for an expert evidence review and analysis of national and international best practice in the development and delivery of mental health services. The review aims to identify sites of best practice, outlining how these models can apply to the Irish context. The review will also assess the current delivery of Mental Health Services in Ireland having regard to the international evidence and the implementation of A Vision for Change, and will have regard to both human rights and Health and Well-being objectives.

This evidence review will inform the parameters of a review ofA Vision for Change. Consideration is also being given to establishing the appropriate oversight structure for the policy review process.