Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
577. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the situation of a family who are concerned that their child (details supplied) has refused to receive any further medical treatment and is rapidly declining in health [50956/12]
View answerThis Government has prioritised the provision of quality patient-centred community based mental health services where the need for hospital admission is greatly reduced while still providing in-patient care when appropriate. We are committed to implementing A Vision for Change and providing quality care on a voluntary basis. The circumstances in which persons may be detained and the rules regarding treatment in these cases are set out in the Mental Health Act 2001 which is currently under review by an Expert Group. In relation to the specific query raised, as this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
