FF Publish Mental Health Policy Document

Fianna Fáil has published a new mental health policy document, which aims to reform the delivery of mental health services.

Launching the 'Improving Mental Health' proposal, the party's spokesperson on mental health, Colm Keaveney, said: "Fianna Fáil believes that the provision of mental health services should be a priority for the Government. Far too many people are suffering from mental health issues in isolation and are not receiving the help and support they need from the state.

"We are proposing an enhanced focus and resources for mental health services if elected to Government. Mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health in terms of the deployment of state resources. Fianna Fáil will establish a new national Mental Health Authority to ensure there is a single organisation tasked with coordinating mental health services."

Deputy Keaveney also pledged to review and revamp the 'Vision for Change' strategy document which sets out the direction for Mental Health Services in Ireland.

"Sadly, early progress on the Vision for Change strategy has been stalled by a lack of Government commitment since 2011. We will carry out a full review of what is still left to be achieved and will revamp the plan to get it back on track. We will also reinstate an implementation review group which will issue regular reports on the progress being made in delivering the strategy," Deputy Keaveney added.

(MH/CD)