Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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268. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to improve access to quality services for persons with mental health problems comparable to best international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21090/17]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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This Government is focused on the continual improvement of our mental health services. It is important that any such improvements are evidence-based and informed by national and international research. This can be seen in our national strategy to reduce suicide, Connecting for Life, which builds on previous work and contributes key elements to moving forward. It is based on extensive consultation, a global knowledge base and defined commitments across government departments and key statutory and non-statutory agencies in Ireland.

'A Vision for Change', the policy framework for our mental health services, came to the end of its 10-year term in 2016 and preparations for a review and updating of policy have been underway since early last year. In September 2016, an external evidence and expert review was commissioned from WRC Consultants as the first step in determining the parameters of a revision of A Vision for Change.

This review was completed on 17 February 2017, and will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of A Vision for Change, both in terms of international best practice and the experience of implementing A Vision for Change. The review is currently being assessed by the Department of Health.

In line with a commitment given to Dáil Éireann on 6 October 2016, an Oversight Group will be established within three months of the review being finalised to oversee the development of a new policy for mental health based on the outcome of the Expert Review. Terms of Reference for this Group are being finalised. The policy review process will also involve consultation with key stakeholders.

Improvements continue to be made across key areas of mental health service provision. A central commitment in the Programme for Partnership Government relates to the provision of 24/7 mental health services. I am presently considering HSE proposals for an implementation plan for the provision of a 7-day service response across all HSE mental health service areas, which should be produced in the coming weeks. Substantial funding has also been provided in 2017 for Mental Health capital projects, most notably to commence the construction of the new forensic hospital at Portrane this year to replace the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum.