Mental Health Tribunals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2016

Thursday, 26 May 2016

Questions (188)

James Browne

Question:

188. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when he will put positions on the Mental Health Tribunal up for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12307/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Mental Health Commission appoints Mental Health Tribunals to automatically review all decisions to involuntarily detain patients or to extend the duration of such detentions under the provisions of the Mental Health Act, 2001. A Mental Health Tribunal comprises of a legal person, a lay person and a consultant psychiatrist and they review a person’s involuntary admission. In accordance with Section 48 of the Mental Health Act 2001, Mental Health Tribunal panel members are engaged on a three year cycle. The current cycle will end on the 31 October 2016. The Mental Health Commission recently sought expressions of interest from persons interested in becoming Mental Health Tribunal members. The closing date for receipt of applications was the 6 May 2016.