Vol. 450 No. 8
77 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the proposed cost of the forthcoming World Congress on Mental Health to be staged in Dublin in 1995; the contribution to be made directly from his Department and also from other State bodies, such as health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5961/95]
Limerick East): The Mental Health Association of Ireland will host the 1995 World Congress on Mental Health in Dublin from 13-15 August 1995. It is expected that more than 1,200 delegates will attend the congress from all over the world. The association has estimated overall expenditure on the congress to be approximately £400,000, most of which will be met from conference fees and sponsorship. In view of the importance of this conference, my Department has agreed to make a total of £100,000 available to underwrite costs associated with its organisation. The funding has already been advanced to the association via the health boards to assist with the cash flow involved in the congress organisation. I understand that health boards will be assisting with aspects of the congress, such as an art exhibition entitled “Time for Reflection”— a project promoting artistic endeavour among those availing of mental health services — and with visits by delegates to mental health services.
