I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 293 together.
Responsibility for the provision of the services referred to by the Deputy rests, in the first instance, with the relevant health board. As a result of capital investment in the mental health services since 1997, there are now 411 community psychiatric residences in the country providing 3,146 places compared to 391 residences providing 2,878 places in 1997. The provision of these extra residences provides the means for more patients to live independently in the community. My Department also provides financial assistance through the health boards to Schizophrenia Ireland which provides support to people with schizophrenia and their families.
The future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services will be considered in the context of the work of expert group on mental health policy. It is expected that the expert group will report in 2005.