Mental Health Reform is holding an event to discuss recent developments related to the Mental Health Bill 2024. The Bill has just passed through the final stage of the Dáil and is expected to progress to the Seanad in the autumn. Its latest briefing, which outlines key observations and concerns, states that MHR has concerns in respect of some amendments to the Bill that have been recently agreed at Committee Stage. Those include issues such as: involuntary treatment can begin before a capacity assessment is completed; the timeframe for involuntary treatment can be doubled from 21 to 42 days and the criteria for involuntary treatment have been significantly expanded. A key omission from the Bill, says MHR, is the continued absence of a commitment to an independent complaints process and a statutory right to independent advocacy for those who experience involuntary detention and treatment.
Taking place on Thursday 31st July 1-2pm the one-hour online meeting where we’ll provide an overview of the most recent amendments and our key concerns relating to the Bill. This will be followed by an open discussion to hear concerns, insights, and suggestions.