Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Joint Committee On Health

General Scheme of the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2021: Department of Health

Mr. Seamus Hempenstall:

I cannot say that something would never be looked at again. There are sections within the draft general scheme - at least three of them - relating to the provision of information to people. They provide for people to receive information on complaints procedures in whatever approved inpatient facility they are in. Under the draft general scheme, the remit of the Inspector of Mental Health Services has been expanded to include 24-hour community residential facilities and services. There is inspection already provided for and the general scheme provides for additional expansion. The Office of the Ombudsman has a role in investigating complaints in the HSE as well. That is where we are on that. Mr. Kelly might like to add something.