Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-22
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Frances Black (IND), Industrial and Commercial Panel

Amendment No. 126 seeks to ensure that applications for decision supports be made as quickly as possible while noting that an allowance can be made in circumstances where it is necessary for the protection of life.
Amendment No. 127 is similar to Labour Party amendments Nos. 121 and 125. This amendment requires a 72-hour deadline for applications for decision supports for people being involuntarily treated to be made. I note and welcome the Government amendment that states that these applications should be happening as soon as practicable. That is important but, without a clear deadline for these applications, there is too much subjectivity. A clearly defined and enforceable timeframe is crucial to ensure that the system functions with transparency, accountability and full respect for human rights, and that individuals get the supports that they are entitled to as quickly as possible.
As mentioned previously, the 2024 Bill originally required that these applications be made before any involuntary treatment could begin. As such, a 72-hour window for submitting a decision support application strikes a pragmatic balance between clinical realities and the imperative to uphold individuals' autonomy and rights.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:32+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-22