Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
352. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the remit of HIQA to psychiatric units; if so, the timeline involved; if not, if he will consider extending the remit of HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39284/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Commission is an independent statutory body, established under the Mental Health Act 2001. The Commission’s principal functions are to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to take all reasonable steps to protect the interests of persons detained in approved centres under the Act.
The Commission has a number of responsibilities set out in legislation. These include:
- Making appointments to mental health tribunals to review the detention of involuntary patients and appointing a legal representative for each patient
- Establishing and maintaining a register of approved centres
- Making rules to regulate the use of specific treatments and interventions
- Developing codes of practice to guide those working in mental health services
- Appointing the Inspector of Mental Health Services, who annually inspects mental health services, including all approved centres
I have no plans to change the statutory role or functions of the Commission.
