I move amendment No. 121: In page 64, lines 2 to 5, to delete all words from and including “or” in line 2, down to and including line 5 and substitute the following: “the application referred to in section 49 shall be made by the responsible consultant psychiatrist as soon as possible and, in any case, no longer than 72 hours from the initiation of involuntary treatment.”. This amendment requires that an application for decision-making support be made as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours from the start of…

This need is particularly urgent given that individuals currently have no statutory right to independent advocacy. The 2024 version of this Bill required that an application for decision support be made prior to the initiation of involuntary treatment. It is deeply concerning that the revised text permits a delay of up to 42 days before such an application may be submitted. It is important to highlight that, due to the existing delays in the Circuit Court system, it may take several months before such applications …

I move amendment No. 125: In page 64, lines 22 to 24, to delete all words from and including “prior” in line 22, down to and including line 24 and substitute the following: “: “(i) prior to any treatment, other than treatment provided under section 48, 50 or 51 , being provided to the involuntarily admitted person, (ii) as soon as possible and, in any case, no longer than 72 hours from the initiation of involuntary treatment for treatments provided under section 48, 50 or 51 .”.

I move amendment No. 130: In page 64, to delete from “, or” in line 30, down to and including line 33 and substitute the following: "in order for the involuntary treatment of a person deemed to lack capacity, who does not have access to Decision Supports, to continue beyond the treatment period, an application must be made by or on behalf of the responsible consultant psychiatrist to the High Court specifying the proposed treatment and seeking an order to continue to administer the treatment concerned to the person…

I move amendment No. 133: In page 64, lines 35 and 36, to delete all words from and including “or” on line 35, down to and including line 36.

I move amendment No. 134: In page 64, line 38, to delete “or that of another person, or” and substitute “and”.

I move amendment No. 137: In page 65, line 5, after “person”, to insert “to a material extent”.

I move amendment No. 140: In page 65, lines 25 and 26, to delete all words from and including “Where” on line 25, down to and including line 26 and substitute the following: “Involuntary treatment cannot be administered to an involuntarily admitted person in cases where the person—“. I tabled these amendments because they would make clear that the High Court has no authority to order the involuntary treatment of an individual against the will and preference of a person who has capacity, or against wishes clearly ou…

Yes.

I move amendment No. 141: In page 65, between lines 33 to 34 and substitute the following: (2) “the High Court has no authority to order the involuntary treatment of an individual against the will and preferences of a person who has capacity or against the wishes clearly outlined in a valid and relevant advance health care directive.”.

I move amendment No. 142: In page 65, to delete lines 34 to 37 and in page 66 to delete lines 1 to 7.

I move amendment No. 144: In page 66, lines 9 and 10, to delete all words from and including “and” on line 9, down to and including “withdrawn,” on line 10.

Yes.

I move amendment No. 146: In page 66, to delete lines 19 to 34.

I move amendment No. 149: In page 67, lines 4 and 5, to delete all words from and including “a proposed” on line 4, down to and including line 5 and substitute the following: “electro-convulsive therapy, this treatment will not be involuntarily administered unless the person has: (a) a relevant decision-making representative, (b) a valid and relevant advance healthcare directive, or (c) a relevant designated healthcare representative appointed under an advance healthcare directive relevant to the treatment concerne…

I move amendment No. 155: In page 69, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: “Chemical Restraint 57. (1) A chemical restraint shall not be applied in respect of a person 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 person by a relevant health professional or a specified person under the direct supervision of a relevant health professional, (c) the …

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I return to the matter of the full reinstatement of the western rail corridor, specifically the 73.5 km stretch between Claremorris and Collooney. I have been left with no alternative but to raise this as a Commencement matter due to the inconsistent and unclear messaging from the Government. I will give a little bit of background. As a previous speaker said, rail use in Ireland has changed and we, as a population, make more frequent use of rail and demand more services in the rai…

It was my understanding, and the Minister of State has cleared it up, that there is going to be no greenway on this rail structure, which is wonderful. Unfortunately, our local representatives in Sligo are continuing to press, saying that there is an option to have a greenway developed here, whereas in Mayo and Galway all the politicians from Opposition parties and all parties have come together and this is why they have made a very firm case, and they have seen it. In fairness to the Minister of State, Deputy Cann…

In the last few weeks I have met a remarkable group of people, originally from various African countries, who have made their new home in Sligo. They are anxious to contribute to their new home in whatever way possible and have asked me to draw attention to a letter on behalf of the Abolish Direct Provision Ireland group, addressed to all elected representatives. This letter calls for the endorsement of the group's Amnesty 2.0 campaign. It states as follows: For over twenty-six years, the Direct Provision system ha…

I move amendment No. 48: In page 27, line 7, to delete ", or that of another person,". Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. These amendments, which Senator Harmon and I have tabled, seek to delete the reference to threats to the life or health of another person being grounds for involuntary admission. Involuntary admission should be permitted only in cases where the failure to admit involuntarily could have a serious impact on the health or safety of the individual and where it would be likely to benefit to a clear a…