Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2019
440. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement measures to ensure the provision of adequate mental health services and supports for homeless persons; his further plans to ensure that adequate mental health services and supports are developed for such persons in line with, "A Vision for Change"; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4364/19]
View answerThe year 2016 was the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy entitled, "A Vision for Change", which laid out a pathway to progressive, modern and recovery-based mental health care in Ireland. The year 2016 also marked the end of the "A Vision for Change" ten-year term. In October 2016, the Government committed to:
- Complete an evidence-based expert review of international best practice in the area of mental health;
- Establish an oversight committee to oversee the development of a new policy for mental health;
- Direct the Health Service Executive to develop a multi-annual approach to the development of mental health services.
In October 2017, an Oversight Group was established to work on a refresh of "Vision for Change". The refreshed report is expected to be finalised in quarter 1, 2019 and will emphasise the importance of policy supporting tangible changes in the lives of people using mental health services.
A main aim of the refresh is to ensure that the main focus is on the needs of service users and wider population – not on the needs of the mental health system. A major national stakeholder consultation process occurred in 2018 in five counties that engaged with over 1000 individuals from community, statutory and voluntary groups. Social inequalities and social exclusion were the main themes arising.
Consultation with the Department of Social Protection and the Homeless Agency was also undertaken. As a result, there will be a chapter in the refreshed policy that will seek to respond to health inequalities. It is my understanding that the final refreshed policy will make recommendations to address the mental health needs of vulnerable groups, including those who find themselves homeless.
In addition to the work on "Vision for Change", Budget 2019 provides for an additional €250,000 under New Development funding to support the current service improvement initiative for homeless persons already being progressed in mental health services and in collaboration with Social Inclusion services.
