Phil Prendergast (Labour)

In a situation where a hospital has been visited by the Mental Health Commission and found to be unsuitable for the purpose of modern psychiatry and caring for patients, how would this legislation apply? If the patients are kept in a place that is not fit for purpose and nurses are operating in almost medieval conditions, what effect will the legislation have?

I agree with Senator Twomey that psychiatric nurses frequently must escort patients from the community into the hospital, voluntarily or involuntarily, and they are well aware of the legislation covering that. Gardaí frequently assist for whatever reason. The systems operate, not everything is broken. How will the legislation affect those hospitals where the Mental Health Commission has identified deficiencies?