Vol. 437 No. 4
17 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the commitment given in the Programme for a Partnership Government, 1993-1997, he will give the reason the legislation which was to be introduced in 1993 on foot of the Green Paper on Psychiatric Services to update the Mental Treatment Act, 1945, has not yet been produced; when this legislation will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy is aware, a Green Paper on the development of services for the mentally ill and new mental health legislation was published in June 1992. The Green Paper was circulated widely to provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit views on new mental health legislation proposals. My Department received approximately 100 submissions on the Green Paper. These submissions have been examined by my Department to establish the broadest possible degree of consensus in relation to proposals for new legislation. My Department is currently finalising proposals for a new mental health Act. It is my intention to bring forward new legislation without delay.
However, I am also concerned that the small number of contentious issues in relation to the new legislation are given due consideration before decisions are taken. I can assure the Deputy that a new mental health Act will be introduced as soon as possible.
