Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004
47 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by a person (details supplied) regarding the high level of compulsory committals to mental hospitals, which now amounts to more than 3,000 per year; if he has plans to review procedures for committals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10810/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the concern expressed by the chairperson of the Mental Health Commission, Dr. John Owens, and others about the high level of involuntary admissions in our mental health services. Ireland has a significantly higher rate of involuntary admission than other European countries. Approximately 11%, 2,723, of all admissions to psychiatric hospitals and units in 2002 were involuntary admissions. However, it is anticipated that the full implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001 with its more stringent procedures for involuntary detention, will significantly reduce the number of involuntary admissions, bringing practice in this country more into line with the rest of Europe.
The Mental Health Act 2001 was enacted in July 2001 and will significantly improve safeguards for mentally disordered persons who are involuntarily admitted for psychiatric care and treatment. The Act will bring Irish law in this area into conformity with the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
Part 2 of the Act provides that mental health tribunals, operating under the aegis of the Mental Health Commission, will conduct a review of each decision by a consultant psychiatrist to detain a patient on an involuntary basis or to extend the duration of such detentions. The review will be independent, automatic and must be completed within 21 days. As part of the review process the mental health tribunal will arrange, on behalf of the detained person, for an independent assessment by a consultant psychiatrist. The Mental Health Commission will also operate a scheme to provide legal aid to patients whose detention is being reviewed by a tribunal.
In its recently published strategic plan for 2004-06 the Mental Health Commission has set itself a target for the establishment of the independent review process, mental health tribunals, in 2004.
