Social Inclusion Board

A question put forward to the Hon. G.E. GAGO regarding the social inclusion board.

The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK: Can the Minister for Environment and Conservation advise:

1. Details of any support or advice being provided from the office of the minister to the Social Inclusion Board, including secondment of staff?

2. Details of any support or advice being provided from the Department of Health to the Social Inclusion Board, including secondment of staff?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO:

1. I have been present at several meetings of the Social Inclusion Board when the discussion has been about mental health.

The Social Inclusion Unit currently has no staff seconded from the Office of the Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

The Minister for Health has advised that:

2. The Director, Mental Health has been an observer at Board discussions about mental health. The Director, Mental Health has also attended the Mental Health Advisory Panels, conducted as part of the Board’s community consultation on mental health and has regular meetings with the Executive Director of the Social Inclusion Unit.

The Social Inclusion Unit currently has no staff seconded from the Department of Health.