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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

346 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans and specific budgets which are in place to roll out residential accommodation in the community for psychiatric patients; in particular, if the spread of such facilities will ensure that all local needs are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25928/02]

Substantial progress has been made in recent years in ensuring that those in need of mental health services receive care and treatment in the most appropriate setting. In this regard health boards have developed, and are continuing to develop, a modern comprehensive community-based mental health service. This has resulted in a continuing decline in the number of in-patients with a corresponding increase in the provision of a range of care facilities based in the community to complement in-patient services.

It is my intention to continue to accelerate the growth in alternatives to hospitalisation with the further development of community-based services throughout the country. Significant additional funding both capital and revenue has been provided by my Department in recent years for this purpose. It is the responsibility of each health board to identify the needs in its area and to address those needs as far as possible from within the resources available.

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