Laura Harmon (Labour)

I agree with the comments of Senators Cosgrove and Ruane. It is really important that we have broader definitions of "chemical restraint" and "pharmacological restraint" than the ones offered by the Government. Mental Health Reform agrees with this proposal.

It is important that any definition of "chemical restraint" include the inappropriate use or overuse of PRN sedatives. In its 2020 report, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment found that PRN medicine was not being used in an appropriate manner at the establishments visited and recommended that the Irish authorities carry out of a review of this type of prescription at all psychiatric institutions, particularly as regards potential overmedication, chemical restraint and involuntary treatment, and draw up guidelines thereafter on the use of PRN medication. It is essential that these recommendations be followed.