Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-28
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

Senator Boyhan raised the issue of equality. Equality is a principle enshrined in the Constitution, as we know, and we must ensure no child is disadvantaged in accessing any service because he or she is not under the legal guardianship of his or her parents. The principle is one that we all hold very dear.
I am glad the Senator raised care plans because we have not spoken much about them at all. As Minister of State for older people and mental health in the previous Dáil and as Minister of State for mental health in this Dáil, I feel very strongly about care plans. Over recent years, I have spent a significant amount of time reading HIQA reports on nursing homes – public, private and voluntary – and Mental Health Commission reports. It is often found that a care plan might not have been implemented or that there was not enough care planning.
The Bill states that a care plan will be made with the child. The child’s parents will be involved if the child comes from a family background or family setting. If the child is in the care of Tusla or guardians, Tusla will be involved in the child’s care planning. Involvement in a care plan, whether for a child or an adult, ensures the person’s voice is heard. I speak all day long in my brief about will and preference. These must be part of what we want to achieve. This Bill will strengthen provisions in this area.
What amendment did Senator Black refer to?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:33+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-28