Mental Health Bill 2024: From the Seanad
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-29
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

They absolutely have to inform the family. I am looking at the amendment. They have to tell the family because they have to be able to discuss the treatment of the child with the parents. It is important to balance the debate because, while we are discussing restrictive practices, Sharing the Vision includes a recommendation to adopt a zero-seclusion, zero-restraint approach in mental health services and there has been a significant reduction in the usage of seclusion and restraint in mental health services. According to the Mental Health Commission, Ireland ranks among the lowest in comparable countries for the use of seclusion and restraint. In 2023 and 2024, there was a 34% reduction in the number of reported episodes of seclusion and physical restraint. Since 2018, there has been a 62% reduction in all restrictive practices. Irish mental health services must be commended on their continued and sustained positive efforts in the area. We have one of the lowest rates in comparable jurisdictions, according to the Mental Health Commission. That was extremely welcome, but to put the Deputy's mind at ease, my understanding is that if a restrictive practice was applied to a young person, that young person would fall under the remit of three different entities, namely those of the HSE, Tusla or the parent, and would be informed of that decision.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-29