Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I compliment my colleague, Deputy Browne, on introducing this Bill. As Deputy Byrne has said, many of the patients affected by this unseen health issue are voiceless. This Bill sets out to make certain significant changes to strengthen the rights of people when they are in hospital for mental health care. It supports the rights of inpatients to make decisions about their own treatment by linking the Mental Health Act 2001 with recent laws which affirm that everyone should be presumed to have the capacity to make decisions. This includes giving people the supports they need to make decisions.

Many people are affected by dementia and suicide. Deputy O'Loughlin has mentioned a very harrowing case. Unfortunately, children are among those who have taken their own lives. Members of Dáil Éireann have a duty of care to do something about this. This particular Bill certainly reaches out to do that. I hope the Minister of State will take on board the recommendations that are being made in this regard. It is important to acknowledge the great work that is being done by organisations around the country. We are very lucky to have the SOSAD group in the Cavan-Monaghan area and nationally. Those who provide the group's services are available at the end of the phone line to support people in their darkest moments. It is also important to mention the Cycle against Suicide organisation, which is doing terrific work across the country. I had the privilege of attending its talks at Our Lady's secondary school in Castleblayney and at Bailieborough community school in the company of our own ambassador for positive mental health, Alan O'Mara. All of that needs to be supported. This Bill certainly intends to do that. I hope the Government will support it in every way it can.

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