Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House and thank him for the contribution he has made in his role. I commend my party colleague, Deputy James Browne, and the various mental health advocacy groups on the work they have undertaken in bringing the Bill to fruition. I also thank Deputy Pat Buckley for his input. He spoke to me about the amendment we passed in the Seanad and subsequently agreed not to pursue. As we heard, Deputy Buckley accepts what the Minister of State said in that regard.

Deputy Browne joins a small minority of Opposition Deputies who have managed to get Bills passed in both Houses since the adoption of the Constitution. Progressing mental health reform is a key objective of the Fianna Fáil Party and this is an important step towards realising that objective. The enactment of the Bill will improve the provision of mental health services and promote the rights of persons availing of them.