Mr. Peter Farrelly:

I will. One of the things we do is put a lot of effort into codes on restraint and seclusion and we monitor them quite strongly. I agree with the representatives from the Psychological Society of Ireland. The Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021 puts restrictive practices in its place. It is not a treatment; it is a restriction on someone's liberty, body, etc. The Bill 2021 puts that in place. In that context, we will review the codes and ensure they have an appropriate place.

I understand the professionals in terms of there being a huge cultural movement happening here. The professionals understand that at certain times, in the least restrictive way, we may have to use these things. However, they are not a treatment; they are coercion. They have to be used in a very limited way.

A cultural shift is happening here and some professionals may be afraid that they would be liable for a change or that something could happen, as we traverse. It needs to be done well. I will hand over to my colleague, director of regulation, Mr. Kiernan, because we have significant research on this that may help.