I support the sentiment in the Bill. It is quite shocking that it involves a lawyer or barrister with a legal background while the actual practise of psychiatry or psychology is not taken into account. When the Mental Health Commission and the tribunals were set up, unfortunately, they went down the legal route, which is unlike what happened in Britain, because much money was to be made from it. Money is not made by the experts and the medics involved. Amendment No. 38 seeks the voice of a medical professional who …

I want to emphasise the lack of rights for patients in involuntary arrangements prior to the setting up of the Mental Health Commission and tribunal. What Senator Higgins is alluding to is the continual passing on and the rubber-stamping regarding involuntary arrangements. That is what happened before the legislation. It was really about giving rights and voices to patients incarcerated in various circumstances. All hope was almost lost at that time. This proposal is to make progress on that and to ensure we do not…

I move amendment No. 38: In page 24, line 21, after "appointment" to insert the following: "and one member who shall be either a consultant psychiatrist or a member who is registered at the level of clinical nurse specialist in psychiatry, or above".

We have no idea of where we are, where we are going to go or how long it will last. We are waiting for the storm to come. We listen to and are guided by the science. We value what is most important: our people and our public services, especially the health services. This has shown that universal healthcare can be achieved and is the best way to achieve a public health system. It is a wake-up call for this country, that we need to roll back the privatisation and commodification of our health. I ask everybody to stay…

It feels our world is shattered. Our way of life is being tested like never before. Our planet and our people are being tested. I commend what Senator Boyhan said. We are all sitting here united. It is a strange and eerie atmosphere. I am very proud to be part of this Seanad and to see through emergency legislation in these times. We will stand united. As an aside, we are sitting here and it is about time for Seanad reform. That is for the next Seanad to deal with. We will go through a range of matters today, inclu…

As we all know, this is extraordinary legislation but it is to support people whose lives are gravely impacted by Covid-19. It is almost like a dream. Every day we all wake up and say, "Oh, I remember that." It still goes on as if one is half-asleep during the day. Who could ever have dreamt this? I would like to cover many areas, which, as other Senators have said, will be addressed in the amendments. Some women have voiced concern to me over abortion consultations. Can abortion medications be taken at home? I hav…

On a point of information, do we know which amendments have been ruled out of order? I do not have that information.

I reckon we have not half an hour remaining. With all of the amendments that have been ruled out of order I suggest, to help the House, that Senators would email their queries. I am aware that the Minister is probably overwhelmed but perhaps we could email the queries and questions on this. To discuss amendments that are out of order, and I am aware that people need information-----

Okay. I presumed that amendment was being discussed.

Yes. Okay.

I move amendment No. 14: In page 8, lines 21, after "homes," to insert "or places of lodgings,". This amendment just makes sense. Not everyone has a home. There are different names. It speaks for itself. Most people would have a home and those who have one are lucky. However, other people who do not have a home have places of lodgings. I do not wish to hold up the Bill.

When we talk about involuntary detention I also think about involuntary detention for those displaying mental ill health. That requires two medics; this requires one. Presumably, those at risk would be quite vulnerable to Covid-19 because a capacity for awareness may not always be present. Will one medic for emergency involuntary detention be used more frequently for people, as opposed to involuntary detention requiring two medics under the Mental Health Act?

I move amendment No. 26: In page 16, after line 20, to insert the following: “ Amendment of National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 12. The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 is amended by the insertion of the following new section after section 14A: “Consideration by Bureau of application for vetting disclosure in the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 14B. (1) A vetting disclosure for healthcare workers who have returned to service for the term of the …

It relates to the National Vetting Bureau.

I had a big speech organised on the amendment.

That is okay.

Has he?

Gabhann buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach, although it is a pity that it may be the final time I say that for a long time. The House is often called, including by me over the years, a kind of retirement home for the bewildered. It is where wannabe Deputies cut their teeth before seeking the supposedly coveted title of "Deputy" and, less kindly, is often considered to be a chamber of elitist misfits. The Twenty-fifth Seanad, of which I have been privileged and proud to have been a Member, has been the most diverse. It…