As the Mental Health Bill 2024 reaches Report Stage in the Dáil, Mental Health Reform (MHR) is calling on the Government to urgently address a number of amendments that risk undermining the rights for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
The Bill presents a long-awaited opportunity to modernise the Mental Health Act 2001 and align Irish legislation with international human rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). MHR has been actively engaged throughout the legislative process, including an appearance before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health in June, where the organisation outlined key recommendations for reform.
While the introduction of a five-year review cycle is a welcome development, MHR remains concerned about a number of aspects of the bill, including:
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Permitting involuntary treatment to begin before a capacity assessment is completed
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Extending the duration of involuntary treatment from 21 to 42 days
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Broadening the criteria for involuntary treatment
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The absence of a statutory right to independent advocacy and an independent complaints mechanism
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The removal of proposed oversight for chemical restraint
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The continued failure to legally prohibit the admission of children to adult mental health units
Dr Louise Rooney, Policy and Research Manager at MHR, commented:
“Late-stage amendments risk rolling back progress. This legislation must reflect a rights-based approach that places the will and preferences of individuals at its core, and include robust oversight and safeguards.”
Mental Health Reform continues to engage with the Minister’s office on these concerns and is urging TDs to make essential final improvements before the Bill is enacted.