WRITTEN QUESTION P-3311/97 by Antoni Gutiérrez Díaz (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (15 October 1997)

Subject: Mental illnesses

10 October 1996 was World Mental Health Day. Taking the view that mental illnesses deserved to be considered by the Commission, Josu Jon Imaz San Miguel MEP tabled a question on the subject, to which the Commission replied on 21 May 1996.

In its reply the Commission confirms that it is considering mental illnesses, including suicide, and looking into the possibility of preventing suicides as part of a possible programme.

However, this type of suicide (in the area of mental illness) is logically a consequence of mental illness.

1. Has the Commission developed, or considered developing, any programme for the prevention of mental illness? If so, with what budget?

2. In line B3-4300 of the 1996 budget, with ECU 5 million, what amount was allocated to Alzheimer's disease, and what amount to 'other mental illnesses'? Which ones, and what amount for each?

3. Are there Community provisions or recommendations for the administrative authorities on the industrial rehabilitation of mental patients (as distinct from the disabled)? Is compliance with such provisions or recommendations by the Member States, and specifically by Spain, monitored at Community level in any way?

4. Are there recommendations for offering part-time contracts to such groups of mental patients, since these enable them to develop their skills and so prevent a further increase in their anxiety?

5. Is the Commission aware that when people sign an employment contract they lose the non-contributory pension in many instances, which means that, in view of the uncertainty of finding stable employment, their wish to return to work is undermined by the fear of losing this pension?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (6 November 1997)

In 1996 a budget of MECU 5 was allocated for transnational activities geared to improving the quality of life of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, more particularly Alzheimer type (DAT) and related disorders, and their carers. Following a call for proposals, 26 projects on Alzheimer's disease were selected for funding covering a variety of themes.

There is no Community public health programme for the prevention of mental illness. However in the programme of Community action on health promotion, information, education and training within the framework for action in the field of public health ((Decision No 645/96/EC, OJ L 95, 16.4.1996. )), mental health promotion has been given priority. It is one of eight health issues on which this programme focuses.

In the communication from the Commission ((COM(97) 178 final. )) proposing a Community action programme on injury prevention in the context of the framework for action in the field of public health, suicide is foreseen as one of five main topics.

There are no Community provisions or recommendations on the industrial rehabilitation of psychologically impaired people. However, in a forthcoming communication on employment of people with disabilities, the issue of the transition to employment, including the question of the effect of receiving a non-contributory pension and stable employment in the open labour market, will be analysed.

A budget of MECU 11.8 has been allocated in 1997 for preparatory measures for cooperation to foster equal opportunities for people with disabilities, in particular to support activities of non governmental organisations and associations formed by people with disabilities. A call for proposals was launched in April 1997. 128 proposals have now been pre-selected for funding, including 13 projects devoted to psychologically impaired people.