Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Boyle's proposal to adjourn the debate on Committee Stage. I pay tribute to the work done by the Members of the Green Party in bringing this Bill forward and giving us the opportunity to focus on what needs to be done and take time to look at the issue as a whole. Senators Boyle and de Búrca were initially very clear that they were focusing on a particular area but we have had the opportunity to widen the debate.

The Minister of State has commented on the review of the mental health legislation and the implementation of A Vision for Change. I compliment the Minister of State on the work he has undertaken and welcome that he has set a March deadline. To achieve what he hopes to achieve, much work remains to be done.

I appreciate that the Minister of State has mentioned the groups with which he has consulted. I add my voice to that of other colleagues in asking that the consultation be as wide as possible. In particular, there should be consultation with patient and advocacy groups as well as families. A wider range of professionals and personnel involved in the delivery of the mental health service should also be included as we can only benefit from widening that scope.

To achieve what the Minister of State hopes to achieve, we must be upfront about the issue. We need the capacity legislation and, without it, much of what we hope to do will be stymied. This legislation will be a momentous milestone in the delivery of services but if we try to proceed with any of our reforms without putting that legislation in place, we will be coming up constantly against a wall and conflict over people's rights.