he Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, has announced a new public consultation on the ongoing review of the Mental Health Act 2001. The public consultation will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders, including people who have used the mental health services and their families to inform the review prior to publication of draft legislation to update the Act in full.
On announcing the public consultation Minister Butler said:
“Today I am pleased to announce a fresh public consultation on the ongoing review of the Mental Health Act. The voice of people who use our mental health services, and their families is of paramount importance when developing policies and legislation. While the review of the Act is based on the 2015 Expert Group report, which included a public consultation, and garnered widespread support, I am delighted to be able to give the public another opportunity to share their views.”
In July 2019, the department sent an initial draft of a general scheme to the Mental Health Commission for their expert opinion. The Commission provided a detailed submission to the department in March 2020. Following a redrafting of the general scheme, the department sought the advice of the HSE, as the main provider of mental health services in the State, in August 2020. The HSE returned its final submission in late February 2021.
Details on the submission process, including a detailed guidance document and privacy information, can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/d8aa2-public-consultation-on-draft-legislation-to-update-the-mental-health-act-2001/
All queries related to the public consultation should be emailed to [email protected]
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, 31 March 2021. Due to time constraints, submissions received after this date cannot be considered and extensions cannot be provided.
Read the full press release here.