Committee on the Future of Mental Health Care to hold first meeting on review of ‘A Vision for Change’

Mr. Hugh Kane, Chairperson of the Oversight Group to oversee the next stages of the review of ‘A Vision for Change’ will appear before the Committee. This Group will oversee the development of a new policy for mental health based on the outcome of the Expert Review.

Committee Chairperson, Senator Joan Freeman, said, “As a Committee, we are pleased to commence our public hearings tomorrow as we begin our work to achieve cross-party agreement on the implementation of a single, long-term vision for mental health care.”

“The ongoing review of the Vision for Change is an important part of the Committee’s focus. We are of the view that it is important that an early discussion should take place with the Oversight Group and that the Committee gets an understanding of the remit of the review in order to avoid duplication, and if possible that the work of the Committee can complement the work of the oversight group.”

“Our engagement with Hugh Kane in his capacity as Chairperson of the Oversight Group will allow us to hear definitively what stage the Oversight Group’s work is at and what their plans are. Committee members are anxious to ensure that the Review moves at pace, makes comprehensive suggestions and does not end up sitting on the shelf once published.”

The meeting will commence at 9am in Committee Room 4, Leinster House.

Watch proceedings live here: http://bit.ly/2pj804N

ENDS/

Media enquiries:

Nuala Walsh,
Press & Communications Officer,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.
P: +353 1 618 3437
M:  +353 86 4100 898
Email: Nuala.Walsh@Oireachtas.ie
Twitter: @OireachtasNews

Committee Membership:

Chairperson: Senator Joan Freeman (IND)

TDs:

Mick Barry (S/PBP)

John Brassil (FF)

James Browne (FF)

Pat Buckley (SF)

Joe Carey (FG)

Joan Collins (I4C)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (FG)

Dr. Michael Harty (RIG)

Alan Kelly (LAB)

Catherine Martin (SD/GPG)

Mary Lou McDonald (SF)

Tony McLoughlin (FG)

Tom Neville (FG)

Fiona O’Loughlin (FF)

Anne Rabbitte (FF)

Senators:        

Máire Devine (SF)

Frank Feighan (FG)

Joan Freeman (IND)

Colette Kelleher (IND)