Mental health group well received

THE establishment of a new Government expert group on mental health policy received a broad welcome last night from human rights organisations and the disability lobby.

However, mental health and disability campaigners warned any policies suggested by the new group must be fully supported by the Government if services and conditions for the mentally ill are to be brought up to scratch.

The new group was announced yesterday by Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children with special responsibility for mental health Tim O’Malley, and is expected to report within 18 months.