Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
697. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the chairman's forward to the Mental Health Commission annual report 2013 in which he states that the commission is also concerned regarding a number of specific areas of service provision which impinge on human rights and where, in 2013, standards fell below what is acceptable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29205/14]
View answerThe principal functions of the Mental Health Commission are to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards in the delivery of mental health services and to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres under the Mental Health Act 2001. The Commission also appoints the Inspector of Mental Health Services, who in accordance with the Act, is required to visit and inspect every approved centre annually and, as the Inspectorate think appropriate, to visit and inspect any other premises where mental health services are being provided.
I welcome the Annual Report of the Mental Health Commission and note the specific areas of service provision which require improvement that have been highlighted by the Chairman. Under the 2001 Act, the Commission has a number of powers in relation to approved centres which includes the attachment of any conditions it considers appropriate to the registration of such centres and such conditions could include the requirement to introduce or to review specified policies, protocols and procedures relating to the care and welfare of patients and residents. In addition, the Commission can prepare codes of practice for the guidance of persons working in the mental health services. As a consequence of the Commission carrying out its functions, I am satisfied that the rights of patients are regularly and appropriately reviewed in line with our mental health legislation.
The Mental Health Act 2001 provides the legislative framework within which people who require admission on a voluntary or involuntary basis can be cared for and treated in approved centres within our mental health services. The 2001 Act introduced a human rights ethos into our mental health law and it is currently under review by an Expert Group which I set up in September 2012. I expect to receive the final report of the Expert Group by the end of quarter 3 this year and while I am not in a position to comment on any specific recommendations of the Expert Group in advance of its final report, I would expect that the Group has considered the matters raised by the Chairman with a view to ensuring that the human rights of patients are upheld and strengthened further.
