Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-20
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Victor Boyhan (IND), Agricultural Panel

I move amendment No. 77:
In page 39, after line 39, to insert the following:
“Report on Maximising Autonomy
27. In advance of the five-year review of the Bill, the Mental Health Commission shall prepare and submit a report reviewing strategies to maximise patient autonomy within mental health services. This report shall be developed in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, including but not limited to:
(a) people with lived experience;
(b) family members and supporters;
(c) mental health professionals;
(d) advocacy organisations; and
(e) relevant statutory bodies.
and shall include evidence-based recommendations aimed at strengthening rights-based, person-centred approaches to care and enhancing supported decision-making in line with national and international human rights standards.”.
This is my last amendment on the clár here. The rationale for this amendment is that it would create a new section 27 aimed at increasing patient autonomy. It is very difficult to legislate in the field of psychiatry, which, as we all know and the Minister of State has said, is fraught with issues in relation to the understanding of the human mind, ethical issues and adherence to social and cultural norms, a large part of what shapes our understanding of what is considered to be mental disorder or normative assumptions regarding what is considered socially acceptable. It is important that we, at all times, review and revise the legislation to ensure it aligns with best practice. I ask for the support of the Minister of State.

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Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:31+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-20