Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last week the Minister of State indicated that the review would be ready by the third quarter, yet we are experiencing delays in this process. I do not see urgency being demonstrated by the Minister of State in dealing what continue to be significant human rights issues within the mental health system. Last year 80 children were in adult wards in psychiatric units across the country. This is a significant human rights issue. One must look at what has happened in Carlow and Kilkenny concerning the loss of life and human rights. I am asking the Minister of State to pay special attention to this matter and accelerate publication of the expert group's review of the Mental Health Act 2001. In April the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, said it was only a matter of weeks before the review would be published. Why are we experiencing significant delays? I ask the Minister of State to provide absolute clarity in order to ensure we can protect those who are most vulnerable. I am appealing to her to put in place the best form of legislative base to enshrine a human rights philosophy to protect the most vulnerable.

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