Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the Chamber. I compliment her on the great work she continues to do.

This is a topic that has touched every family in Ireland. Thankfully, we are now speaking about it much more openly, which is needed. This Bill is an important step forward for mental health care in Ireland. It modernises our legislation with a more compassionate approach that puts people and their rights at the centre of the system. One of the things about this Bill that should be acknowledged is how it protects people's rights when they are at their most vulnerable. Unfortunately, in the past, people could be admitted to hospital and treated without enough legal safeguards.This Bill will strengthen these protections. It sets clear rules for when someone can be treated without his or her consent and puts time limits on treatment, unless further approval is given. This is a fair and more respectful way of treating people.

The Bill also updates how young people are cared for and treated. It recognises that 16- and 17-year-olds can make their own decisions about mental health treatment. This shows trust in young people and respects their abilities to understand their own needs. It is also in line with how people will treat physical health decisions for that age group.

I also believe the new powers being given to the Mental Health Commission to regulate not just hospitals but community mental health services, including services for children and adolescents, should be welcomed. With proper enforcement, this will make a real and meaningful difference to service users.

This is an area where we really needed to modernise our legislation and the Bill addresses that need. It is a result of years of drafting, research and consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of mental health services and their loved ones, and I believe it should be welcomed by all.