Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
1481. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the funding being provided in 2013 to the National Service User Executive, established under Recommendation 3.5 of A Vision for Change; the funding provided in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38112/13]
View answer1482. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he is committed to the role of the National Service User Executive, established under Recommendation 3.5 of A Vision for Change, in informing the National Mental Health Service Directorate and the Mental Health Commission on issues relating to user involvement and participation in planning delivering, evaluating and monitoring services including models of best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38113/13]
View answer1483. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health in view of information set out on page 28 of the 2006 document A Vision for Change, in which services users, in the context of user involvement, should at a minimum be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses at the same rates as health professional, if he will confirm if this is current practice and, if not, the rate at which services users and professionals are reimbursed and if he can account for the differential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38114/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1481 to 1483, inclusive, together.
A Vision for Change recommended that a National Service User Executive be established to inform mental health policy makers and service providers on issues relating to user involvement and participation in planning, delivering, evaluating and monitoring services. Both the HSE and I fully recognise the importance of ensuring service user involvement in the on-going development of our mental health services, have supported the establishment and development of the NSUE and collaborated closely with the NSUE in the delivery of its remit.
As the issues of funding for the National Service Users Executive and the reimbursement of expenses to service users is a service matter for the HSE, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly on these issues.
