Seanad debates
Wednesday, 9 October 2002
Sub-Committee of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges: Motion.
I would like the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals to be discussed in Government time this year before it becomes an historic document. It is a serious document. We introduced a new Mental Health Act last year, but it has not been implemented, apart from the establishment of the commission a year after the Act was passed. This is a serious area. Such reports could be discussed in the House in a non-party and non-confrontational manner. There is not a party political atmosphere in the Seanad and that is useful. Senator Finucane mentioned the different atmosphere during debates in this House. This is one of the elements I would like to see and it does not require reform. It will be necessary that we take notice, read the contents of the Order Paper and decide among ourselves which matters are important. We could then allocate 30 minutes, an hour or whatever is required to discuss them.
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