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

Amendment No. 309 is very positive, in that the centre is required to explicitly inform the child and any other relevant parties about the application of restricted practices, gather views and record those views. However, I have a concern. When a child is 16 years of age or older and in the care of the State, Tusla must also be informed, but when a child is 16 years or older and in the care of parents or guardians, it appears that they do not need to be informed. I want to get an understanding of the reason for that difference in approach. Would it be helpful to make it explicit that any information provided to the child about applications of restricted practices, as required under amendment No. 309, should be delivered in an accessible and age-appropriate manner? Such a measure would strengthen the provision and ensure compliance with best practice and children's rights standards. Is the Minister of State open to considering my proposal?

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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