Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for allowing us the time to clarify the changes made in the amendments put forward this afternoon. In particular I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Daly, for his help in that regard. I join my colleague, Senator Ardagh, in congratulating our colleague, Deputy James Browne, on producing the Bill. It has passed through the Lower House and I hope that within a few minutes it will pass through this House as well.

This Bill seeks to amend and extend the Mental Health Act 2001 to improve the provision of mental health services and promote the rights of persons subject to the Mental Health Act 2001. As my colleague has done, I thank the various mental health advocacy groups that we have spoken with over the past number of months and who have contributed in no small way to the Bill coming before the House today.