Sub-Committee on Mental Health to meet with representatives from the Mental Health Commission

The purpose of the Bill is to amend the Mental Health Act 2001 to give effect to the recommendations of an Expert Group Review on mental health legislation.

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 3 at 11am. 

Representatives from the Mental Health Commission will appear before the Sub-Committee.

Cathaoirleach of the Sub-Committee Senator Frances Black said: “It is almost one year since the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Mental Health held its first public meeting and during that time we have heard from numerous stakeholders on the challenges emerging in the area of mental health.   “There is a pressing need to reform the Mental Health Act in order to protect the rights of people receiving metal health care and services and to bring it into line with international human rights standards.”  

“While most of the focus during the pandemic has been rightly on physical health, it is crucial that people using mental health services are prioritised and they are treated with dignity and respect.” 

“Tomorrow is a welcome opportunity to hear from the Mental Health Commission about their views on the Bill and what is required to address the gaps for service users.”  

The members of the Sub-Committee are: Cathaoirleach Senator Frances Black, Deputies Neasa Hourigan, Gino Kenny, John Lahart, Mark Ward and Senators Aisling Dolan, Martin Conway and Annie Hoey.  

Watch the meeting live here.