Mary Henry (Independent)

Could a provision also be included in the Bill for a change to the relevant ministerial order? The most commonly used legislation under which prisoners are transferred is the Central Lunatic Asylum (Ireland) Act 1845. Four other pieces of legislation are used, the most recent of which dates from 1912. Perhaps we could add this matter to the Bill. Some of those affected by this procedure are on remand and have not even been convicted. It is very unfair that the psychiatric services are having to deal with such antiquated legislation when we could do something about it. Matters may improve because the psychiatic training programme now involves registrars going to the Central Mental Hospital. Therefore, they will, at least, get a better idea of forensic psychiatry and may take more people back under their care, realising that not everyone in the Central Mental Hospital is dangerous.

I am delighted with the Bill and I am really looking forward to Committee Stage.