Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 5

Written Answers. - Psychiatric Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

112 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the steps, if any, he proposes to take to ensure adequate communication between health board executives and professionals in the psychiatric services as set out in the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

The report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 1988 and 1989 drew attention to the need to improve communications between the professional and administrative staff in some areas in the planning and management of psychiatric services. I am satisfied that a substantial improvement in communication between those responsible for the delivery of psychiatric services in these areas has taken place since then. This improvement has been noted by the inspector in his reports for 1990 and 1991, which will be published later this year.

I am glad to say that each health board has submitted a plan to my Department to implement the commitments in relation to the psychiatric services outlined in theProgramme for Economic and Social Progress over a seven year period based on the model recommended in “Planning for the Future”. I understand that there was a high level of co-operation and communication between professional and administrative staff in the preparation of these plans.