Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 642: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation in full of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the delay in introducing all provisions of the Act. [28519/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney T.D., has signed the commencement order for the remaining sections of the Mental Health Act 2001.

The Mental Health Act 2001 provides a modern framework within which people who have a mental disorder and require treatment or protection can be cared for and treated. It puts in place mechanisms by which the standards, care and treatment in mental health services can be monitored, inspected and regulated. The Act provides for the establishment of independent mental health tribunals to automatically review the involuntary detention of people suffering from a mental disorder.

Sections 1 to 5, 7 and 31 to 55 inclusive were commenced on the 5 April 2002. The commencement of the other sections of the Act was delayed due to protracted negotiations with the consultants' representative bodies which concluded earlier this year. The remaining sections of the Mental Health Act 2001 will be commenced on 1 November 2006. My Department, the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive are currently finalising preparations for the full implementation of the Act.