Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1819. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline future staff and funding priorities and plans for the Mental Health Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38764/23]
View answerAs you will be aware, the Mental Health Commission plays a vital independent role in supporting and assisting in the development and improvement of our mental health services and I fully support their work.
Regulations and standards play an important role in ensuring that healthcare services are safe, of high quality, and negate risk. Under the existing Mental Health Act, inpatient services are registered, inspected and regulated by the Commission. My policy position and that of the Department is that the regulatory function of the Commission will be expanded in the new Mental Health Bill to allow the Commission to regulate, register, and inspect all community residential services (besides in-patient services) and eventually, all community mental health services, including all community CAMH services. The Mental Health Bill was selected for priority drafting for the spring and summer legislative sessions and the drafting of the Bill will continue to be a priority for me.
The Department and I will continue to liaise closely with the Commission regarding the planned expansion of the Commission’s regulatory remit, including on providing for additional resources where needed through the annual Estimates process and on the development of Regulations to underpin the expanded powers of the Commission.
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
