James McDaid
Question:72 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health when he intends to update the Mental Treatment Act, 1945 in accordance with the White Paper on this issue. [12243/96]
Written Answers. - Mental Health Act, 1945.
Limerick East): The White Paper — A New Mental Health Act — was published in August 1995. The proposed new legislation, which will provide a modern framework for the care and treatment of the small number of persons with mental disorder who refuse or who are incapable of seeking treatment or protection in their own interest or in the interests of others, will narrow the criteria for detaining persons with such disorder. It will also bring Irish legislation into conformity with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to which Ireland is a signatory. A draft general scheme and Heads of a new Mental Health Bill are being prepared in my Department and I hope to be submitting these to Government for approval shortly.