Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
595. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there will be a Traveller representative on the monitoring committee for the implementation of Sharing the Vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43421/20]
View answerThe National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) is collectively responsible for driving and overseeing the long-term implementation of Sharing the Vision.The NIMC comprises a Steering Committee, chaired by Mr John Saunders, and an associated Specialist Group Panel.
The purpose of the NIMC Steering Committee and Specialist Group Panel will be to drive reconfiguration, monitor progress against outcomes and deliver on the commitments set out in the Policy.
The Steering Committee will work with partners to evaluate performance, check overall progress and gather information on examples of good practice as informed by national and international research.
In addition, the purpose of the NIMC Specialist Group Panel is to provide specialist input at various points in the implementation of the Policy, including being a member of specific themed specialist groups, as envisaged in the Policy.
The Department of Health requested nominations representative of different grades and professions from a number of different organisations, including advocacy groups and voluntary and community organisations, across the mental health sector. Letters requesting nominations to the NIMC Steering Committee/Specialist Group Panel issued in mid-November.
In December, a shortlist of nominees was presented to the Minister from which she selected and appointed members to the NIMC Steering Committee and Specialist Group panel. Of the nominees sought from organisations representing the Traveller Community, six individuals were appointed to the Specialist Group Panel.
It is envisaged that members of the Steering Committee and Specialist Group panel will be representative of their respective area of expertise rather than of any organisation.
