Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

According to the Healthy Ireland Survey 2015, some 10% of the Irish population over the age of 15 has a probable mental health problem at any one time. There is no one in the country who does not have somebody in their lives who has an issue with mental health, whether it be depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol issues and-or drug issues. The Government needs to realise fully its commitments to mental health and adequately invest in mental health and update legislation to improve the mental health outcomes of adults and children living in Ireland.

It is shameful that only one out of the 165 recommendations contained in the 2015 report of the expert group on the review of the Mental Health Act 2001 has been implemented thus far. We need to recognise the importance of treating mental health patients with dignity and place the autonomy back in their hands. The Bill would ensure people received the least restrictive care possible. It strengthens the rights of people when they are in hospital for mental health care and would support the rights of inpatients to make decisions about their own treatment. It must be welcomed.

The Bill would also give children advice on their care when in the mental health service. It recognises Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Following on from this, I urge the Government to take action immediately to stop such children from being admitted to adult-only institutions. Communities are doing all they can to raise and improve mental health awareness, which will be seen in places such as Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Dunmanway and Castletownbere this weekend with the Darkness into Light walk being supported by many people.

Mental health patients can no longer be seen as objects. They must be involved meaningfully in making decisions about their treatment and care. Any legislation which seeks to increase the standards of mental health care in Ireland must be welcomed. I urge my fellow Deputies to vote in favour of the Bill.

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