Bernard Allen
Ceist:899 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the publication of Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 2001 has been delayed until the middle of 2004; and the date for the publication of the Act. [20177/03]
Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.
The Mental Health Act 2001 was enacted in July 2001. It provides for the establishment of the Mental Health Commission, which was established in April 2002. The commission's primary function is to promote and foster high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to ensure that the interests of detained patients are protected. The detailed work programme of the commission is a matter for the commission itself to determine, in accordance with its statutory functions under the Mental Health Act. However, I understand that one of the priorities for the commission over the next year will be to put in place the structures required for the operation of mental health tribunals, as provided for in Part 2 of the Act. Additional funding will be required for the commission in order to implement the Act and this will be considered in the context of the Estimates process for 2004 and subsequent years.
The commission has been involved in discussions with my Department, the health boards and other organisations to ensure that all elements of the organisational and support system are in place prior to the commencement of Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 2001 and that there is capacity to support the operation of the mental health tribunals. Work in this regard is continuing.