Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, informs me the Bill will be introduced later this year.

I share the Deputy's view about the mental health tribunals. They have not been established because the consultants have not been prepared to participate. When we have a sufficient number of psychiatrists willing to participate on the panels, the work will begin immediately concerning the 600 people who were involuntarily detained. The Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, is working to try to make this a reality.

See this speech in context