271. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health if approval will be given to affirming the role of art therapist as a designated post within community mental health teams in the context of section 9.2 of the national policy of A Vision for Change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14893/19]

The Oversight Group is currently in the process of finalising the revised National Mental Health Policy 'A Vision for Change'. A key focus of the work of this refresh has been to explore opportunities for encompassing population-based responses that strengthen individuals' emotional resilience.

The revised Vision for Change report will contain recommendations and suggestions about the composition and skill mix of each Community Mental Health Team and the flexibility of teams to respond to the social circumstances of it's sector population. As well as core skills there should be opportunities for each team to avail of sessional workers such as addiction counsellors, family therapists and art therapists as required.

The final revised report is due to be finalised in the coming weeks.