I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Moloney. Senator de Búrca was in possession and replying to the Second Stage debate. She has three minutes remaining.
Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008: Second Stage (Resumed).
Question again proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
I welcome the Minister of State. As a former psychologist and someone who managed a project for young people who had had their first serious experience of mental health difficulties, including psychosis, I also welcome the opportunity to conclude my reply to the Second Stage debate on the Mental Health (Involuntary Procedures) (Amendment) Bill 2008. In view of the time constraints involved, I will only make a number of brief points.
We are limiting the amendment we are proposing to a very clear focus, namely, that section 59(b) of the Mental Health Act 2001 which relates to the involuntary use of electroconvulsive therapy be deleted. What we are proposing will not interfere with the voluntary use of this treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy is a controversial treatment. The website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists attests to this fact and states the benefits of the treatment are as yet unproven. Electroconvulsive therapy involves the forcible administration of an electric shock to patients who are extremely mentally unwell. The protocols set out under the Mental Health Act 2001 require that an anaesthetic and a muscle relaxant be used as part of the administration of the procedure.
There is widespread disagreement among psychiatrists in respect of this therapy and some of them refuse to administer it. There is great variation, on a regional basis, in the use of electroconvulsive therapy in Ireland. The therapy is so controversial because the long-term impacts are extremely serious. The impacts that have been reported by those who have undergone the procedure include emotional blunting, serious loss of memory, other cognitive impairments and a sense of a gross violation of their physical integrity. The World Health Organization is opposed to the involuntary use of electroconvulsive therapy, particularly on those under 18 years of age.
Mental health difficulties and serious mental illness present a real challenge to society. We are moving in the direction of using more humane and multidimensional treatments. When one considers the history of psychiatry, one becomes aware that many barbaric practices which completely violated individuals' rights were used. We are moving slowly towards the use of more humane treatments.
The Bill proposes something from which future generations of mental health patients will benefit. A certain amount of courage will be required in accepting the Bill. There is a great deal of concern and ignorance among members of the general population and legislators with regard to whether what is proposed would amount to good practice. I argue, on the basis of the research carried out by the Green Party, that it does amount to good practice. I call on the members of other parties to support the Bill which will lead to the deletion of the sections of the Mental Health Act 2001 relating to the involuntary use of electroconvulsive therapy.
Question put and agreed to.
When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?
Now.
Agreed to take Committee Stage today.