Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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821. To ask the Minister for Health if an urgent appointment with CAMHS will be expedited for a child (details supplied). [36085/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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822. To ask the Minister for Health if he will compile a comprehensive list of actionable areas to ensure that there is a transparent and robust approach towards mental health care by the State (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36088/22]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Published 30 June 2022, Mental Health Commission’s Annual Report for 2021 provides an important independent insight into where we are performing well and where improvement is required. I am pleased that there has been an overall improvement in compliance in recent years, acknowledging that further improvement is needed. Together with the Department of Health, I will continue to work closely with both the Commission and the HSE to improve mental health services.

The report raises a range of issues around the delivery of mental health services. With regards to the issues raised concerning variance in compliance between independent providers and the HSE, the HSE cannot comment on the performance of private organisations. However, there is a significant case mix difference between patients in Private and Public Approved Centres. Additionally, National Community Mental Health Operation office are working closely with CHO4 in relation to compliance issues, most of which are premises related. CHO4 have a comprehensive capital plan to accelerate the development of new in-patient units, and the national office are working with them to secure funding in this respect.

Importantly, HSE Mental Health Services are committed to the delivery of high quality and safe mental health services. Both the Government and the HSE value the regulation of our mental health services as it provides a framework in which to constantly review and improve our services, so they remain person-centred. The HSE have reviewed the recommendations within the report and are confident that various initiatives currently underway address many of the recommendations made.

The Government and I are committed to improving the quality of mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through implementation of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.

The need to build a more accountable and transparent health service is a focus of Sláintecare and is also a key objective for Sharing the Vision. Sharing the Vision has a key focus on Accountability and Continuous Improvement as one of the policy’s four core domains. This domain focuses on the organisational processes needed to implement and track delivery of the reforms proposed with an emphasis on innovation and continuous improvement. Key recommendations include developing a National Population Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research and Evaluation Strategy and the implementation of a national mental health information system. Additionally, the policy recommends that regular surveys of service users and family, carers and supporters be independently conducted to inform assessments of performance against PIs and target outcomes in Sharing the Vision, that mental health services ensure that the principles set out in the National Healthcare Charter, You and Your Health Service, are embedded in all service delivery and that training be provided for service users and staff on making and dealing with complaints.

For the complete list of recommendations to enhance accountability and continuous improvement through the policy implementation, I would direct you to the Sharing the Vision Policy document, and for details on the programme of implementation for the next three years, I would direct you to the Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan 2022 – 2024, which was published earlier this year. Both documents are available here - www.gov.ie/en/publication/2e46f-sharing-the-vision-a-mental-health-policy-for-everyone/ and official reports and analysis on Sharing the Vision Implementation Status are available here - www.gov.ie/en/publication/8f821-national-implementation-and-monitoring-committee-steering-committee/.

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.

As the question also concerns HSE services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.