Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-09
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Frances Black (IND), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I want to come back on the need for independent advocacy. I am conscious that the UNCRC has expressly called for the Bill to end the practice of children being admitted to adult units. Before I go any further, I have to acknowledge the amazing work and how the Minister of State has reduced numbers in this area. I am very aware of how well she has done that and I commend her on that. However, I highlight the fact that the UNCRC has expressly called for the Bill to end completely the practice of children being admitted to adult units and it has called for the recognition of children's rights to independent advocacy in the updates to the Mental Health Act. That is something we have to look at and take on board. Even though the Minister of State has done phenomenal work, if that is not included in this Bill, I would be concerned that the next Minister who comes in will not have the same understanding, empathy or compassion that the Minister of State has on this issue. That is why it is really important we address it in this Bill. I would really love the Minister of State to be open to considering it.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:26+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-09