Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Having heard the contributions of those here today, I reiterate my thanks, especially to Deputies Buckley and Browne, my colleagues in Dáil Éireann who have worked with me on this every step of the way and who were more than generous in waiving all political interests and advantages, who were clearly very motivated to get this right and who engaged extensively with me from the start.

I cannot guarantee Senator Wilson that the mental health tribunals will be carried out within 21 days but they will be carried out. At the heart of the decision made by the Department of Health in drafting this legislation is that some patients find the tribunals difficult but this puts it in the hands of the patient to decide whether he or she wants a three month review. If it is made mandatory that he or she is reviewed every three months, clinicians will say some patients will find it to be stressful and a negative experience. We do not want to force it on people by way of legislation so that is the reason for the three month option. The reduction of renewal order duration to six months automatically gives additional mandatory reviews for 12 month orders, in addition to the new rights which are there at three months, but they are optional.

As is always the case when mental health is discussed, it is clear it is a topic close to all our hearts. This is especially so when the people concerned are some of the most vulnerable patients in our health system. I thank all the stakeholders who helped in developing the policy underpinning this legislation. I particularly thank the Mental Health Commission for its contribution. I also pay tribute to the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for their assistance in recent months. The programme for mental health is a busy one and I look forward working with members of both Houses on this as we begin the new session.