Godfrey Timmins
Ceist:48 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health when he plans to publish a discussion document on reform of the mental illness Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mental Health Legislation.
Dick Spring
Ceist:274 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific statutory means which will be employed to ensure the feasibility of the continued enactment of the Mental Health Act, 1981.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 274 together. I am aware that our mental health legislation is in need of review. This is because there have been dramatic changes in the practice of psychiatry since the current legislation was enacted and this change has accelerated since the publication of the policy document Planning for the Future which was published in 1984 and approved in principle by the Government. It is also important that the legislation be up-dated to ensure that the rights of individuals are fully protected in line with modern concepts and that we meet our obligations under international conventions in this respect. I am actively considering this at present.
The Health (Mental Services) Act, 1981, has not been brought into force because some of the provisions of the Act require the preparation of regulations but in some instances the power to make regulations is defective and the general thrust of the Act has been superseded by developments in the psychiatric services.