Ms Kathleen Lynch T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for mental
health today (Thursday 2nd June 2011) welcomed the publication of the
Mental Health Commission Annual Report for 2010 which includes the Report
of the Inspector of Mental Health Services.
The Mental Health Commission’s function is to promote, encourage and foster
the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in
the delivery of mental health services.
Referring to the Inspector’s Report the Minister said “While a number of
encouraging developments have taken place during 2010 reflecting efforts to
improve the services I am disappointed with the slow rate of progress. I
welcome the reported improvements in our Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Services and the progress to date in relation to the building programme
which will allow people move out of the old psychiatric institutions.
However, the practice of using mental health service beds for those who are
not mentally ill is a concern as is the number of children aged 16 and 17,
who attend adult emergency departments and who are admitted on an acute
basis to adult approved centres.”
The Minister continued “The Government is committed to reforming our model
of healthcare delivery so that more and better quality care is delivered in
the community. Reforming our mental health services is not just about
increased financial investment; it is also about staff being receptive to
change. High standards in facilities and in in-patient care must be the
norm without exception. I want to see mental health services that are
recovery oriented and that put service users, their families and carers at
the centre.”
The Minister commended the Mental Health Commission for their continued
commitment to the development and improvement of mental health services.