Bernard Allen
Ceist:256 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the action, if any, he proposes to take on a recent survey which showed that three quarters of the population claim to know little or nothing on schizophrenia. [22266/99]
Written Answers. - Mental Health.
Mental health promotion was identified as a priority in my Department's health strategy "Shaping a Healthier Future" and in the national health promotion strategy. The health promotion unit of the Department of Health and Children is already supporting a number of specific initiatives in this field and has provided support to Schizophrenia Ireland for the production of a video and information guide on schizophrenia to assist in raising awareness levels regarding schizophrenia.
Each of the health boards has a health promotion unit which is responsible for the promotion of healthy living including the promotion of positive mental health. Health boards provide funding for locally based initiatives to raise awareness of schizophrenia as part of the "Lucia Awareness Campaign" and other educational initiatives. My Department also provided a total allocation of £150,000 in 1999 to Schizophrenia Ireland through the Eastern Health Board to cover administration costs and for the development of services.