Funds ring-fenced, progress being made - Vision for Change in action: Corrigan

"The Government's commitment to the mental well-being of our people has been made clear again today as we see further progress of 'Vision for Change" - according to Principal Psychologist and Fianna Fáil Senator for Dublin South Maria Corrigan.

"I am delighted that the HSE is investing €50 million this year in the development of new mental health infrastructure," said Senator Corrigan.

Speaking following today’s announcement by John Moloney, T.D, Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, Senator Corrigan said: "We are beginning to see an end to Victorian-style psychiatric care in Ireland and are on the road to a person-centred, recovery orientated system of care."

The Government has approved the ring fencing of the proceeds of sales of psychiatric assets and the HSE is moving this year to dispose of surplus assets and reinvest the money realised.

Minister Moloney today said it was a priority for 2010 to transfer acute admissions from St. Brendan's Hospital to Connolly Memorial Hospital Blanchardstown; to transfer all acute admissions from St. Ita's Hospital, Portrane to a new acute unit at Beaumont Hospital. Other commitments for this year include the building of a new acute unit in Letterkenny, a Community Nursing Unit in Clonmel, County Tipperary and the closure of St Luke's Hospital in 2010; a Community Nursing Unit in Mullingar and the closure of St Loman's to mental health patients.

Senator Corrigan said: "We are seeing the Government's 'Vision for Change' in action here today. We are making much needed progress in the care of the mental health of our people and I welcome Minister Moloney's intention to close outdated facilities at the earliest possible convenience."

Senator Corrigan added: "As I welcome the announcements and commitments made today, I look forward to the formal launch of the ‘See Change’ campaign in the coming weeks which will focus on removing the stigma attached to mental health issues in Ireland. I also want to take this opportunity to remind people that they themselves need to look after their mental health. In that regard the website 'www.yourmentalhealth.ie' is an extremely helpful resource."