Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Section 1 proposes to delete section 58 of the Act. That is what is being proposed. As there are some conflicting amendments, I want to be absolutely clear.

We have moved well beyond psycho-surgery, lobotomy and so on. There are many who are concerned about such procedures and this has a negative impact on the perception of mental health issues. We, therefore, need to be seen to take a clear and supportive line. I will be saying later on other sections of the Bill that people will be able to find various flaws and faults with the legislation, but no one can argue that what is contained in this legislation is not an advance on where we are. It may well be argued that there are other changes that should be made and that a major review should take place — I will support such a review — but these should happen after the Bill is passed.

The other House passed a motion this morning reinstating Bills that had fallen prior to the general election. If we pass this Bill today, it will form a basis on which to build change. The Bill can be changed completely when it goes to the Dáil and when it is brought back here and can be improved with additional bells and whistles. As of now, however, it represents a move forward and takes us from a place in which we do not want to be. Therefore, we should support it.