Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
514. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of orders made pursuant to section 18(4)(a) and or (b) of the Mental Health Act 2001 as amended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7121/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe temporary amendments made to the Mental Health Act, 2001 under the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 included changes to section 18(4) of the 2001 Act.
Section 18(4) sets out how mental health tribunals can be adjourned for an initial period of 14 days by either the tribunal or the patient. Under the 2001 Act, an additional adjournment of 14 days can be requested by the patient, if the tribunal agrees it is in the interest of the patient and if the relevant admission or renewal order will still be in force by the end of expiration of the adjournment.
The temporary measures introduced in the 2020 Act retain the existing provisions in section 18(4), but also allow for the tribunal to initiate the additional adjournment if it is necessary to do so due to the exigencies of the public health emergency, while having due regard for the interests of the patient.
As of 15 May 2020, there were six adjournments under section 18(4), as amended. During the same period in 2019, there were four adjournments under the regular section 18(4).
