Mr. James Kelly:

When we were drafting the general scheme of the Bill we consulted with key stakeholders, such as the Mental Health Commission, the HSE and the College of Psychiatrists. Earlier this year we decided to launch a consultation so that we could make sure we were keeping in touch with the views of people who access services and their family members. Between March and April of this year we received 100 submissions to the public consultation. Within the Department, we reviewed each submission over the following months before we finalised the heads.

There was a very real impact from the views of people accessing services and their families on the final shape and version of the general scheme. It was very helpful in terms of making sure that we kept in touch. The HSE mental health engagement and recovery team and mental health reform were helpful in consulting with its base of supporters, members and clients to get across their views.