Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The focus of the Government on delivering reform of that legislation is demonstrated by the heads of Bill that have been passed by the Cabinet and gone forward for pre-legislative scrutiny. We all know legislation takes a while to complete. We have gone through a number of lengthy Bills in this House that have taken some time. Once the heads of a Bill are agreed and the pre-legislative scrutiny process is finished, a good part of the work is done. The reform of the 2001 legislation is vital for a range of areas. This is just one issue. Across both Houses, there is a strong recognition of the need to invest in mental health services and fundamentally reform the legislation. Earlier, I referred to a phrase we all now regard as unacceptable but that is still contained in our legislation. Phrases like it need to be removed. That is one of the many reasons the Government prioritised bringing forward heads of a Bill and one of the reasons, as I understand it, the Department of Health sees that legislation as a priority. I am happy to come back on Report Stage with greater clarity for Senators on a clearer timeline from the Department of Health for the progress of that Bill.