Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Nov 1998

Vol. 496 No. 6

Written Answers - Mental Health Services.

John Bruton

Question:

322 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will allocate funds to the North-Eastern Health Board in order that it can purchase a bus for the Navan Mental Health Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23872/98]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The North-Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of health services, including mental health services, in its catchment area. In line with a key recommendation of the report on the development of mental health services — Planning for the Future — the board is continually considering ways in which services provided by voluntary and-or private groups might integrate with health board services.

The North-Eastern Health Board provides financial assistance both to the national headquarters of the Mental Health Association in Dublin and to various branches of the association in its functional area. This year, the board provided a grant of £8,500 to the association both at national and local levels, including a grant of £1,000 towards meeting the transport costs of the Navan branch.

I am aware that the board is currently conducting a review of the transport services provided by the board and voluntary groups in the catchment area in order to provide a comprehensive and cost efficient service.

The question of providing additional resources to the Navan Mental Health Association will be a matter for determination by the North-Eastern Health Board in the context of the availabilty of resources and its services plan for 1999.