Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
658. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to develop and provide funding for a mental health strategy specifically for mental health promotion in third level universities and institutions and to include an action plan for the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22585/16]
View answerPositive metal health continues to be a priority for this Government, as evidenced by the fostering of mental health promotion through campaigns like the 'Let's Talk' and 'The Little Things' campaigns. These campaigns are directed at a whole-of-society level, including third-level students. Additionally, any persons, including third level students, can access specialist mental health services, or any of the mental health promotion initiatives, funded directly by the HSE, or by agencies on their behalf. The third level institutions, rather than the HSE, have primary responsibility for providing a range of positive mental health initiatives within colleges. The Deputy will be aware that there is a forthcoming review of 'A Vision for Change', which has guided national mental health policy for the past 10 years. Tenders have recently gone out to engage independent consultants to undertake this review. This review will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of 'A Vision for Change'. I will certainly bear in mind the issues raised by the Deputy in this context, including the potential for better service linkages between the health and education sectors.
