551. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans for oversight and collaborative structures to be developed for engaging in critical and supportive discussions regarding the implementation of the refresh of A Vision for Change further to contact to his office from a person (details supplied). [12567/20]

The new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A National Mental Health Policy for Everyone proposes that a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) be established to oversee implementation of the policy. The NIMC will be mandated to drive reconfiguration, monitor progress against outcomes and deliver on the commitments in the policy. It is expected that the NIMC will work with partners to evaluate performance against key performance indicators, and check overall progress guided by research and learning from best practice, so that the system will be in a position to respond effectively to support the mental health needs of the whole population.

It is envisaged that the NIMC will be representative of those stakeholders principally involved in ensuring effective delivery of the policy recommendations, including strong service user, service provider and voluntary sector representation. All input received during the consultation on the policy, and other stakeholder views, will be taken into account in establishing the NIMC.

Planning for the establishment of the NIMC and associated implementation structures is underway and will be subject to ministerial approval in due course.