David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1173. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the most recent report of the Mental Health Commission; the actions that will be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15452/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Mental Health Commission’s Annual Report for 2019 was launched on 2July.

I welcome this report as it provides an important independent insight into where the mental health system is performing well and where improvement is required.

Some of the issues raised by the Commission will be addressed by the recently launched national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone. This policy makes recommendations on service access, coordination and continuity of care, social inclusion, accountability and continuous improvement, among others. In addition, the review of the 2001 Mental Health Act, on which work is ongoing, will help to put in place a more robust framework in which mental health services can be delivered.

While I am pleased that there has been an overall improvement in regulatory compliance in recent years, it is clear that further improvement is needed. I will, with my Department, continue to work closely with both the Commission and the HSE to ensure that issues highlighted in this Annual Report are addressed.