Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when heads of a Bill, an amendment to the Mental Health Act 2001, seeking the deletion of section 59B, will be put to the Houses of the Oireachtas; if she will give a commitment that this will happen before the summer recess; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16449/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am conscious that there are diverging views on the necessity and / or efficacy of Electro Convulsive Therapy and to facilitate informed debate in the matter, I hosted a number of briefing sessions for members of the Oireachtas earlier this year. I am currently considering the issues arising and hope to be in a position to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide inter alia for the amendment of Section 59 in the coming months. I also draw the attention of the Deputy to a major review of the Mental Health Act 2001 which is scheduled to be undertaken next year. The issue of consent to treatment will be among the matters to be considered in that context; legislation on mental capacity, currently in preparation by the Department of Justice and Law Reform will also be relevant.