Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Senator, having spoken to people who provide the services, tried to say that the services are being provided only to those with a mental health difficulty and a drug addiction. That is not the case. An adult with an intellectual disability, for example someone with Down’s syndrome who might have dementia and mental health challenges, will have a dual diagnosis. They are not going to be turned away. Therefore, I am not going to legislate for dual diagnosis when we are already putting the supports in place. I absolutely want to do more, and we will continue to roll out services across the model of care. However, I am not going to leave this Chamber tonight with anyone believing that the Mental Health Bill precludes anyone with addiction issues from accessing mental health services where the admission is to treat the person’s mental disorder or mental health difficulty. The purpose is to treat their mental health issue, not their addiction, but there is recognition that they can be treated when they also have an addiction. The dual diagnosis element of what we are rolling out deals with both. We have to do more of it. I will not be accepting the amendments.