Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 5

Written Answers - Mental Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

283 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the national standards for disability services do not apply to services and support for people with ADD/ADHD; if he will make extra provision for such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9833/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

The National Disability Authority (NDA), in consultation with the appropriate Departments and other statutory bodies, intends to develop a range of standards for services for people with disabilities, including mental health services. As the Mental Health Commission, which also has a specific function in relation to standards in mental health services, which would include ADHD, has only recently been established the authority decided to proceed in the first instance to develop standards for people with autism, intellectual, physical and sensory disability.

The development of services for the management and treatment of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADD/ADHD, was considered by the working group on child and adolescent psychiatric services established by the Department of Health and Children in June 2000. In its report, presented in March 2001, the group recommended the enhancement and expansion of the overall child and adolescent psychiatric service as the most effective means of providing the required service for children with this condition.

The working group found that the internationally acknowledged best practice for the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services is through the multi-disciplinary team. In 2002, additional revenue funding of €6.061 million was allocated to provide for the appointment of additional consultants, for the enhancement of existing consultant-led multi-disciplinary teams and towards the establishment of further teams. A further €1.64 million was allocated in 2003.

The health strategy, Quality and Fairness – A Health System For You, includes a commitment to the implementation of the recommendations of the working group's report.