Charlie McConalogue says new legislation being brought forward by Fianna Fail will reform the way mental health services are delivered.
The ‘Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2017’ seeks to implement many of the recommendations contained in the 2015 report of the Expert Group on the Review of the Mental Health Act 2001.
Deputy McConalogue commented, “Despite Government claims that mental health is a priority, only one out of 165 recommendations identified by the Expert Group set up to review the Mental Health Act 2001, has been implemented. Our Bill aims to address that.
“One of the key changes put forward in the Bill is to clarify the definition of a voluntary patient so that it includes only individuals with decision-making capacity and who have consented to admission. The Bill also seeks to ensure that people are given the right to the highest attainable standard of mental health and the right to receive the least restrictive care possible.
“The Bill also seeks to enhance awareness of the special needs of children when they interact with our mental health services. It proposes that each child has the right to be heard in decisions made regarding their care within the mental health service. The Bill also affirms that consent to treatment is required by both voluntary and involuntary patients who have decision-making capacity to consent.
“Ireland is falling behind in the provision of quality mental health services, and this Bill will ensure that the Government is meeting criteria set out in international human rights law, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“These proposals will close gaps within the system and ensure that much needed reforms, highlighted by the Expert Group, are implemented. I am calling for TDs on both sides of the Dáil to support this Bill so that these reforms can be introduced without delay”.
