Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 December 2004
69 Mr. Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether stress causes much illness; her further views on the latest Feasta review that much of this stress is due to the economic system and in particular to inequality in society here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31710/04]
View answer138 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the measures she has in place to improve mental health and address the environmental factors which impact on mental health, ranging from poverty, poor housing and inadequate public services; if increased funding will be invested in mental health promotion measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31869/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 138 together.
Mental health is equally as important as physical health to the overall well-being of a person and poor mental health can have a significant impact on both the quality of life of the individual as well as on their contribution to society. It is a strategic aim of the National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 to promote positive mental health and contribute to a reduction in the percentage of the population experiencing poor mental health. An expert group on mental health policy was recently established to prepare a national policy framework for the further modernisation of mental health services. The group has also undertaken to examine, inter alia, measures to reduce stigma in the area of mental health. On foot of submissions made to the expert group, a subgroup on mental health promotion and the prevention of mental ill-health has been established to examine the issues around the promotion of positive mental health. It is envisaged that the subgroup will make recommendations, based on best practice and current policy, for the inclusion of mental health promotion and prevention of mental ill-health in any new national policy, as well as identifying and recommending priority areas for action. The subgroup is to report its findings to the expert group in the near future.
The health promotion unit of my Department continues to support the promotion of positive mental health nationally, as well as at regional and local levels. The unit also supports the health promotion efforts of mental health organisations such as Mental Health Ireland, Schizophrenia Ireland and GROW. All these organisations are committed to raising public awareness of mental health issues, to educating the population with regard to these issues and work to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health.
