Dan Neville
Question:341 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the report from the expert group on mental health policy, which was established in October 2003. [8372/04]
View answerTuesday, 23 March 2004
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The expert group on mental health policy was established in 2003 to prepare a new national policy framework for the mental health services updating the 1984 policy document Planning for the Future. The group consists of 18 widely experienced people who are serving in their personal capacity. The membership encompasses a wide range of knowledge and a balance of views on many issues affecting the performance and delivery of care in our mental health services.
The group requested submissions from interested organisations, individuals and the general public in October 2003 and almost 150 submissions were received. These submissions are now being considered by the members of the group. It has been decided also to undertake further consultation initiatives with various stakeholders, including users of the mental health services. The group is expected to complete its work in 2005.