Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Please note that this meeting will be carried live on Saorview channel 22, Virgin Media channel 207, eirVision channel 504, Sky channel 574 and Vodafone channels - Oireachtas TV 201, Dáil 207 and Seanad 208. Members are requested to switch off their phones or switch them to airplane mode so as not to interfere with the recording of the meeting.

This meeting has been convened to consider the Mental Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2017, which is a Private Members' Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to amend and extend the Mental Health Act 2001, to incorporate certain provisions of the Assisted Decision-Making Capacity Act 2015 relating to treatment of patients under the Mental Health Act 2001, to improve the provision of mental health services, to promote the rights of persons subject to the Mental Health Act 2001, and to provide for related matters.

I welcome Deputy James Browne, the sponsor of the Bill. I also welcome the attendance of the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, and congratulate him on his appointment, and welcome his advisers, Mr. Gerry Steadman and Ms Lorraine Doyle.

I note that there are only three proposed amendments and that amendments Nos. 2 and 3 have been grouped and will be discussed together.