Mary Butler

The Mental Health Bill 2024 completed committee stage in Seanad Éireann yesterday evening after nearly 20 hours of debate across six sessions.

The 222-section bill will replace the Mental Health Act 2001 and was previously passed by the Dáil in July last year and at second stage in the Seanad in September.

Mental health minister Mary Butler said: “I am really pleased to have advanced the Mental Health Bill through committee stage in the Seanad today following almost 20 hours of robust and collaborative debate across seven sessions since committee stage commenced in December.

“The bill was vigorously debated in the Seanad, with almost 400 amendments discussed at this stage.

“I am happy that I was in a position to accept a number of amendments from opposition members, and I would like to extend my personal thanks to all of the senators who engaged in a truly collaborative way during the committee stage process.”

She continued: “Government amendments to the Mental Health Bill were brought to the Seanad following consultation with key stakeholders and other government departments.

“These amendments improve the bill and make it a more robust piece of legislation. Any further amendments required following further consultation, along with transitional amendments, will be brought at report stage.

“The Mental Health Bill 2024 represents a huge step forward in the vindication of the rights of people accessing mental health services, particularly those who have been involuntarily admitted and those accessing services in acute mental health settings.

“The bill will also expand the regulatory powers of the Mental Health Commission to include all community mental health services and teams, including community CAMHS.

“I will seek to move the bill to report stage in March.”

Ms Butler concluded: “The work to enact and commence this important bill will continue apace and I look forward to working with the HSE, Mental Health Commission and other key stakeholders to put the necessary resources and regulations in place to do so.

“In particular, I am eager to make progress to regulate CAMHS, regulate community residences, and expand independent advocacy services to people accessing mental health services.”