John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for their submissions and Ms Brennan in particular for her very powerful contribution. The Mental Health Commission was established in 2002. Mr. Saunders outlined the principal functions of the commission in terms of ensuring high standards, good practice and so on. Under legislation, the commission "shall have such powers as are necessary" for the purposes of its functions. Given that in 2016, we had 68 instances of children being admitted to adult facilities, rising to 82 in 2017, is anybody listening to the commission? To use HIQA as a comparator, it seems to have the ability to bring about change but it appears the Mental Health Commission does not, to be blunt about it. This committee is trying to draw up a blueprint for the future so that we can improve matters. What is missing here?