Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-20
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Teresa Costello (FF), Agricultural Panel

I share the Minister of State's concerns in respect this matter. As the previous speaker mentioned, we have all read stories. I have heard conversations when a story hits the headlines about someone being hurt. People ask why nothing was done and say that something could have been prevented. If people are admitted involuntarily, it might divert them from the criminal justice system. It could prevent them being incarcerated on criminal charges. It could help them. It was asked whether it was worded correctly. When I read it, I asked myself why should another person's welfare not come into it. It is too late if someone is killed or badly harmed. The people who are speaking today will say it could have been prevented. If we take this out, we have to sit and think about the impact it will have.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:31+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-20