Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 16, to delete lines 32 to 35 and substitute the following: “ “mental health difficulty” and/or “psychosocial disability” mean, in relation to a person, any mental disorder, illness or disability, whether of a continuous or intermittent nature, which affects the person’s thinking, perception, emotion, or mood and impairs the mental function of the person;”.

We had this debate at length on Committee Stage but it is important and I want to come back to it. Words matter. How people feel about themselves matters, as does how they and others view the challenges they may have with their mental health care.

The definition of a mental disorder does not sufficiently capture those struggling with mental health issues, particularly those who do not have a formal diagnosis, which may be a result of various factors, including lack of access to diagnostic services. The term "mental disorder" implies a clinical and medical model of mental health but ignores the social, cultural and sociological factors which contribute to mental distress. Recovery-based models emphasise empowerment, self-determination and social inclusion. This reinforces my previous statement on how words matter. Acknowledging psychosocial disability would also better align us with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the social model of disability where the term is used. It also lays the foundation for more holistic support by acknowledging both mental health difficulty and psychosocial disability. This amendment seeks to ensure the provision of multidimensional support. That is not just medical treatment but everything else a person needs to overcome the illness they have and to live their best life.

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