Liz McManus
Question:97 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to ensure the implementation of the findings in the report of inspectors of mental hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23562/01]
Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.
Mental health services continue to improve and much progress has been made in recent years. Substantial capital funding under the national development plan has been allocated to the development of mental health facilities. Approximately £150 million – 190.45 million – will be provided over the lifetime of the plan which will enable the further provision of acute psychiatric units attached to general hospitals and the provision of additional community-based facilities. Extra funding of £18.64 million – 23.67 million – was made available to the mental health services in 2001 to develop community mental health services, to increase child and adolescent services, to expand the old age psychiatry services, to provide liaison psychiatry services in general hospitals and to enhance the support provided to voluntary agencies. I assure the Deputy that health boards will be facilitated in bringing about, as soon as possible, the improvements and developments identified in the report of the inspector of mental hospitals.