Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concerns. I would like us to get to a position on enforcement. The commission has the powers to inspect and visit those facilities if it wishes. I met the Mental Health Commission last week and discussed this issue at length with it. I am anxious to get this legislation in place. It is a comprehensive piece of work.

There is a great deal of legislation before the Houses, such as a couple of amendment Bills put forward by the Deputy and Senator Joan Freeman's Bill. There is much legislative work being undertaken and competing for time in the Department at present. However, I am as anxious as the Deputy to get to this stage because I wish to see it regulated, with the powers of enforcement in place, to ensure we can guarantee safety and quality in the services we are providing.

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