Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-17
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Teresa Costello (FF), Agricultural Panel

Regarding those aged under 18 being admitted to adult facilities, I was under the impression that there are only two such facilities. Ambition is being shown, particularly as the numbers have decreased so drastically. I appreciate and completely understand and respect the concerns expressed, which are very valid. The Senators are right to raise them. However, I feel ambition has been shown because the numbers have decreased so drastically. It was my understanding that if a child aged 17 and a half got into difficulty, they could be brought to an adult area but would be in a room on their own. As a result, there is a level of privacy for the patient. We have to acknowledge that also. Perhaps the Minister of State will expand on this matter a little more. That was the impression I was under. I feel that ambition is being shown in this area.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:28+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-17