Mary O'Rourke
Ceist:65 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the legislative changes, if any, he proposes in respect of the involuntary committal of persons to psychiatric care. [10709/96]
Written Answers. - Psychiatric Care Committals.
Limerick East): The Deputy will be aware of the publication by the Government of a White Paper — A New Mental Health Act — in August 1995. The proposed new legislation, which will provide a modern framework for the care and treatment of the small number of persons with mental disorder who refuse or who are incapable of seeking treatment or protection in their own interest or in the interests of others, will narrow the criteria for detaining persons with such disorder and will bring Irish legislation into conformity with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to which Ireland is a signatory.
A draft general scheme and heads of a new mental health Bill are being prepared in my Department and I hope to be submitting the draft general scheme to Government for approval shortly.