280 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to establish a national mental health service directorate within the Health Service Executive, one of the key recommendations in A Vision for Change; when the national mental health service directorate will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15538/07]

422 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate within the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14686/07]

423 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children when will the National Mental Health Service Directorate be established. [14687/07]

506 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a National Mental Health Service Directorate will be established within the Health Service Executive as recommended in A Vision for Change. [15256/07]

507 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken to date to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate within the Health Service Executive as recommended in A Vision for Change. [15257/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 422, 423, 506 and 507 together.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health services for a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change", is a matter primarily for the Health Service Executive.

The HSE has informed my Department that it is currently examining how best to give effect to the recommendation contained in "A Vision for Change" to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate. Proposals are being developed which will take account of the HSE's existing management structures and the existence of the Expert Advisory Group on Mental Health.