Since taking office I have had meetings with very many representative organisations in the area of mental health, including the one referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. At those meetings I reiterated the Government's commitment to the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change.
It is the Government's intention that over time access to modern mental health services in the community will be significantly improved. It is proposed in our current Programme for Government to increase the spend on mental health services by ring-fencing €35 million annually from within the health budget to develop community mental health teams and services. In addition, as 90% of mental health needs are dealt with at primary care level, the Government is committed to developing closer links between mental health services and primary care. GPs and Primary Care Teams will be supported in their physical working environment through the provision of shared premises which will encourage and facilitate interaction across all health professionals. It is envisaged that the provision of improved community-based services will ensure that people with mental health problems receive the treatment and after-care support needed to facilitate recovery.
I have asked the HSE to prepare an implementation plan, which will identify specific recommendations of A Vision for Change that can be progressed over the next three years, with timelines, detailed costs, person(s) responsible for implementation etc. I am also in discussions with officials in my Department with a view to establishing a Directorate within the HSE to take overall responsibility for driving and implementing the recommendations of A Vision for Change and, in particular, to deliver on the commitments in the Programme for Government.
