Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-28
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Frances Black (IND), Industrial and Commercial Panel

I move amendment No. 300:
In page 94, between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following:
“Chemical restraint
88. (1) A chemical restraint shall not be applied in respect of a child receiving treatment in a registered acute mental health centre or designated centre unless—
(a) the restraint is ordered and initiated by a relevant health professional,
(b) the restraint is applied to the child by a relevant health professional or a specified person under the direct supervision of a relevant health professional,
(c) the application of such restraint is determined by the relevant health professional, in accordance with regulations made under section 58 , to be necessary where there is an immediate threat of serious harm to the child concerned or to another person, and,
(d) the chemical restraint concerned complies with regulations under section 58 .
(2) The Mental Health Commission shall conduct a comprehensive review of the use of sedatives across all psychiatric institutions, with particular attention to the risks of over-medication and the potential use of such medications as chemical restraints. Following this review, the Commission shall develop and issue clear guidelines governing their appropriate use.”.

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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