Mary Henry (Independent)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, line 9, to delete "INSANITY" and substitute "MENTAL DISORDER".

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. I spoke at length on this issue on Committee Stage so I will spare the House a long explanation. I am anxious that the word "insanity" be removed from the Bill. During the Committee Stage debate, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, said he wanted to use the word "insanity" because everybody understood its meaning.

There are many words the meaning of which we understand but which we nevertheless do not use because they are considered politically incorrect, to use a phrase I dislike. In a recent radio discussion on racism and immigration, the Minister was asked by the interviewer about the type of phraseology he considered unacceptable. As an example, he replied that he would not use the "N" word because everybody understands it is a racist slur. We all remember the fuss created when Mr. Kevin Myers used some very inappropriate language in a newspaper article about children born out of wedlock. Incidentally, I found the phrase "cash crop whelping" far more offensive.

There are phrases it is unacceptable to use, therefore. One of the most important issues in regard to mental illness is ensuring that people seek treatment early. In this context, we would do well to avoid the stigma around the word "insanity". The Minister of State has progressed a little way, but I am a bit confused as to what he proposes to do with the title of the Bill. The title of the Bill is what will be out there in public. It is important that we make the Bill look as relevant as possible to the general public. "Mental disorder" and "mental illness" are the phrases that are used nowadays. They were the words used in the Mental Health Act 2001. They are also the words used in the Henchy report, which was written more than 25 years ago. I would hope the Minister and his advisers can see their way to do something about the title, and I would like the Minister of State to say how he sees the matter proceeding.