Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

Many of the amendments in this group were tabled by my colleague, Deputy Liam Quaide, who, unfortunately, cannot be here. He sends his apologies. The amendments seek to delete the term "mental disorder" and substitute it with "mental health difficulty". Many key stakeholders have raised concerns about the continued use of "mental disorder" in the Bill. I note the Minister has brought forward an amendment to expand the definition of "mental disorder", but the term itself remains problematic. The Psychological Society of Ireland has called it outdated and stigmatising, while Mental Health Reform has stated that the use of such medicalised language can be exclusionary for some people.

I accept there is no consensus on an appropriate replacement term and that everybody's experience is different, but there is general agreement that the term "disorder" should no longer be used. It is not in line with the terminology adopted by the UN, the UNCRPD, the WHO or the European Commission. The Psychological Society of Ireland has put forward "mental illness" as a replacement, while Mental Health Reform has suggested either "mental health difficulties" or "psychosocial disability". My colleague, Deputy Quaide, went with "mental health difficulty" for the purpose of these amendments. This term would also be in line with the language used in Sharing the Vision. I believe this would be a more appropriate term but remain open-minded about other suggestions. I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's thinking on this and the rationale for the continued use of "mental disorder", which most people see as archaic language.

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