Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The fact amendment No. 245 uses the words "chemical restraint" means it is not unreasonable to ask for "chemical restraint" to be defined. We spoke about interpretation earlier and about how one interpretation can differ from another. Obviously drugs must be prescribed by a medical practitioner, but there could be different interpretations regarding how they are used. Nursing homes have guidelines on how to deal with this matter, but would it be possible to address the problem raised here through the use of guidelines? I understand the concerns of other Senators regarding the widespread use or any use of chemical restraint in nursing homes without a requirement for medical intervention.