Special Report: Government criticised for ‘lack of interest’ in mental health

The Mental Health Commission has said the buck stops with the Government and health minister after its latest annual report said continuing failings in the mental health system indicate “a lack of interest and motivation” from those in authority.

The commission’s report raises serious concerns over the lack of access to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and fears over unregulated 24-hour community residences in which an estimated 1,300 people live.

These and other long-running issues prompted commission chairman John Saunders to query whether the Government and service providers ever intend to bring about “meaningful change”, adding that “the commission is strongly of the view that there is apparently little heed given to the commentary of the commission by the Department of Health or Health Service Executive”.