Mental Health Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages
Seanad Éireann — 2026-04-16
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

I will give a little bit more information that might be helpful. On average, there are approximately 200 to 250 people involuntarily detained under the Mental Health Act 2001 at any one time. Every single person detained under the Act receives the same protection and safeguards. This means that before a person is detained, he or she is examined by a consultant psychiatrist. Officials in my Department consulted with the Mental Health Commission and the HSE regarding the transitional provisions. An important point of discussion was how long the commission and the HSE would need to transition services. This was an intensive piece of work, I have to say. It is for those reasons alone. That is what their request is, so I have to listen to those who understand about the care and what is needed to be provided. I thank the Senator for his support in this regard.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-04-16/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-16