Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2006
59 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that persons with mental health problems and their families have the right to participate in all of the decision making that affects them on a personal, local, regional and national level. [27280/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra61 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she accepts that everyone needs the highest attainable standard of mental health including the best possible measures to promote their mental well-being and to prevent mental ill health; and the plans that will be implemented in 2006. [27282/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 61 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, the future direction and delivery of all aspects of our mental health services were considered in the context of the work of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Government published the Group's Report entitled "A Vision for Change" on 24th January 2006. Extensive consultation with service users, carers and service providers informed "A Vision for Change". This included formal submissions, questionnaires, public meetings and an in-depth survey of service users. The findings from the consultative process were published in two separate reports: "Speaking Your Mind" and "What We Heard".
The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It proposes a person-centred treatment approach which addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan, reflecting best practice, and evolved and agreed with service users and their carers. Special emphasis is given to the need to involve service users and their families and carers at every level of service provision. The Report also recommends that interventions should be aimed at maximising recovery from mental illness, and build on the resources within service users and within their immediate social networks to allow them to achieve meaningful integration and participation in community life.
The recommendations in the Report have been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. In this connection, an additional €26.2 million was made available this year to the Health Service Executive for the further development of our mental health services, bringing the total revenue spend to in excess of €800 million in 2006. The Health Service Executive has recently established an Implementation Group to ensure that the recommendations are realised in a timely and coordinated manner. It is chaired by the National Care Group Manager for Mental Health. In addition, I have established an independent monitoring group to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the Report.
