Robert Troy
Ceist:430. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when he will review A Vision for Change; and if he will have a clear implementation plan with accountability. [11320/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 May 2016
Ceisteanna (430)
Freagraí scríofa
'A Vision for Change', published in 2006, sets out a 10-year policy framework for Ireland's mental health services. Since 2012, the Government has provided additional funding of €160m ring-fenced for mental health. Ongoing developments that occurred under the term of the Government include: the development of the Counselling in Primary Care Service (CIPC) for adults over 18 years who are medical card holders; a greater awareness of fostering mental health promotion in society through campaigns like the 'Let's Talk' and 'The Little Things' campaigns; the publication last year of the Expert Review Group Report on the Mental Health Act 2001 and the new Suicide Prevention Strategy 'Connecting for Life' a reduction in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting lists for those waiting over 12 Months; the commencement of work on the new National Forensic Hospital to replace the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum; the development of counselling services across both primary and secondary care, including early intervention at primary care level; and five new Jigsaw youth mental health services planned for Cork (2), Dublin (2) and Limerick and the development of Perinatal Mental Health Services.
In addition, funding has been made available to facilitate the transfer of some patients from the Forensic Mental Health Services to the community, investment in high observation in acute mental health units, the improvement of 24/7 services through additional liaison psychiatry services, new clinical programmes for dual diagnosis and adults with ADHD, provision of additional clinical space in community services and more funds for clinical programmes directed at eating disorders, self-harm in Emergency Departments and early intervention in psychosis.
'A Vision for Change' comes to the end of its 10-year term this year and plans for its review are underway. Currently, an appropriate team is being selected to undertake a comprehensive study of the mental health services in Ireland and best practice internationally, to inform the review. Once this information is collected and analysed, the decision as to whether an implementation plan will be formed will be made at that point.