§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Mental Health Review will be(a) completed and (b) published; and if he will make a statement. [124695]
§ Angela SmithIn October 2002, DHSSPS initiated a wide-ranging independent review of the law, policy and service provision affecting people with a mental health problem or a learning disability. The review will involve a comprehensive evaluation of the Mental Health (NI) Order 1986, which includes provision for those with a learning disability. It will take into account recent policy and other developments here and in the European Union, and address how best to provide services to people with a mental health problem or a learning disability in accordance with the statutory equality obligations of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, with the Human Rights Act 1998, and to promote their social inclusion. The review will also address how to promote positive mental health in society.
The Mental Health and Learning Disability Review is therefore expected to take until mid-2005 to complete. It may be possible, however, to publish some of the recommendations during 2004.