Mary Butler
Waterford · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Major improvements are happening across services: enhanced access to proactive and preventive healthcare to support a better quality of life; the embedding and upscaling of women's health initiatives put in place through the implementation of the previous women's health action plans, including, as the Senator knows, free contraception, sp…”
“In relation to any proposal, a proposal for a new location requires a detailed business case, a premises, support from the regional HSE management, and the necessary funding to resource the staffing of the service. That is where I come into it and what I will be trying to do.”
“We are currently working closely with it to support the expansion of Jigsaw services to Waterford and the south east, as well as to County Clare. The location of Waterford was picked because we have no services in the south east at all. It is great that we will have the hub and spoke model the Senator spoke about.”
“That is where I do not agree with the Senator. I believe €180 million of funding ring-fenced for women's health, when we have come from a low base, is absolutely unbelievable.”
“The plan will build on our knowledge of women's health through research and innovation and will spotlight important areas such as endometriosis and cardiovascular health. Recently, the Minister announced €2 million in funding for women's health research.”
“This plan will continue to focus on how we can improve access to specialist endometriosis care and treatment. As the Senator knows, we have established two super-regional specialist centres, one in Tallaght University Hospital and another in Cork, alongside the development of five regional endometriosis hubs.”
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“Its main objectives were to test the new online census form, the new processes and the technology that were developed to deliver an online census and new and updated census questions. Further development of the data collection and processing systems is under way, taking into account the findings of the census pilot survey and the need to scale up for a full census. Extensive testing of census processes and technologies will take place in 2026. I am happy to take any questions regarding the census.”
“We have capacity in private nursing homes of between 5% and 10% where we do not have capacity in HSE-run community nursing homes. I accept that there may not be capacity in the Deputy's area. It might be 20 or 30 miles down the road but there is some capacity there. It is important to note that we are planning for a move to an online census with the next census. In September 2022, the CSO undertook a small proof-of-concept exercise that explored the feasibility of using an online platform to collect census-type responses. The CSO ran a pilot survey between 2 September and 25 October 2024. The survey was voluntary and took place in 20,000 homes across six counties.”
“The question asked the date for the next planned census. All three Deputies have raised issues relating to health and I am not in a position to answer them. What I will take on board is the importance of the CSO and the data it provides. It is very useful to plan for services. Deputy Tóibín said we do not have enough nursing home beds. I am very proud to stand here, as the former Minister of State with responsibility for older people over the past five years, and say that we have the same number of people in nursing homes today under fair deal as we did in 2019. This is because of the Government's investment in home care, day care and meals on wheels, which means that people are able to live for longer in their own homes and communities with the correct wraparound supports.”
“The CSO continues to advance preparatory work for census 2027. The final date of the census and the final content of the census form will be subject to Government decision in due course.”
“On 1 March 2022, the Government formally decided to conduct a census of population in 2027 to be carried out by the Central Statistics Office, CSO. The exact census date has not yet been decided. It is expected, however, that census data collection will run in April and May of 2027. Census 2027 will be a major undertaking for the CSO as for the first time in Irish history, the public will have the option of completing the census form online. This is a complex digital transformation programme that involves a fundamental redesign of how the census is conducted. While the majority of the public is likely to avail of the new online option, it is expected that several hundred thousand households will opt to handwrite their census responses on a paper form. Both online and paper census forms will be available in Irish and English.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann, pursuant to Standing Order 33, and with effect from 2nd July, 2025, approves the Fourth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection, copies of which were laid before Dáil Éireann on 27th June, 2025, and discharges members from Committees and appoints members to Committees accordingly.”
“-----we can discuss having health statements, if the Deputy so wishes, on the issue. An amendment to the Order of Business was moved under Standing Order 35(3). I will not be accepting the amendment today.”
“If some of the various parties and groupings would like to use their Private Members' time for some of these issues, they would be more than welcome.”
“I thank the Whips for the issues they have raised. I will take on board everything that has been raised, but we had a meeting of the Business Committee last Thursday morning. The Ceann Comhairle was present at the meeting. Apart from one issue with regard to the time allocated, the Order of Business for this week was agreed. I will, however, take on board comments that have been made. There will be statements on the Middle East tomorrow afternoon for three and a half hours. Next week there will also be post-European Council statements, which have been scheduled in. I agree wholeheartedly on having statements in the House on Pride and transgender healthcare. I would welcome that very much. I will work with the Whips and with my office to see what we can fit in for next week but as everybody knows there is only a limited amount of time.”
“the proceedings on the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level, the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the application of the ‘safe third country’ concept, the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC, and the Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 32 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply thereto: (a) the four motions shall be debated together, with separate questions put on all proceedings thereon; (b) the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (c) where speeches conclude before the 3 hours and 22 minutes have elapsed and no other member is offering, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes, whereupon proceedings shall be brought to a conclusion; and (d) members may share time.”
“the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the extent that topical issues may be taken earlier than 7.24 p.m. and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Motions on Participation by Ireland in the Adoption and Application of New Proposals in the Field of Return of third-country nationals, International Protection and Temporary Protection, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Second Stage of the Ministers and Secretaries (Attorney General) Bill 2023 and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; and 2.”
“and shall, if not previously concluded, be interrupted and stand adjourned either at 9.12 p.m. or after 2 hours, whichever is the later, and shall not be resumed on Wednesday; and 5. the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 [changed from Social Welfare Bereaved Partner’s Pension) Bill 2025] shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 1 hour by one question, which shall be put from the Chair, and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Social Protection. In relation to Thursday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“the Statements on the Middle East shall not exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 35 25 15 15 5 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 15 15 5 12 15 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 5 12 15 5 8 4. the proceedings on Report and Final Stages of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 shall be taken no earlier than 6.30 p.m.”
“the Statements on All Island Strategic Rail Review recommendations shall be interrupted and stand adjourned after 90 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements shall be in accordance with those contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) any speaking slots which are not reached may be taken on Wednesday, 9th July, 2025, in accordance with the agreed sequence; and (c) members may share time; Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5 3.”
“the ordinary routine of business as set out in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the Dáil may sit later than 9.30 p.m. and shall adjourn on the conclusion of the weekly division time; and (b) the time allotted for Government Business shall be extended in accordance with the arrangements for that business, with consequential effect on the commencement time for the weekly division time, which may be taken on the conclusion of proceedings on the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 [changed from Social Welfare Bereaved Partner’s Pension) Bill 2025]; 2.”
“the Statements on the publication of the report of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 shall not exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes and the order of speaking and allocation of time shall be as follows: (a) the arrangements for the statements, not including the Ministerial response, shall be in accordance with the arrangements contained in the table immediately below (to be read across, not down); (b) following the statements, a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 10 minutes; and (c) members may share time. Gov SF Lab Gov SF Mins 25 15 10 10 3 SD Gov SF IPTG Gov Mins 10 10 3 9 10 SF ITG Gov SF OM Mins 3 9 10 3 5 In relation to Wednesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1.”
“and shall in any event be taken on the conclusion of the Statements on the publication of the report of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, with consequential effect on the commencement times for the items following in the ordinary routine of business, namely, oral Parliamentary Questions to the Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and topical issues, and on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil; 2. the proceedings on the Motion re Nomination to Appoint the Deputy Police Ombudsman shall be taken without debate; 3. the proceedings on the Motion re Fourth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection shall be taken without debate; and 4.”
“Thursday evening business shall be the Second Stage of the Ministers and Secretaries (Attorney General) Bill 2023, sponsored by Deputy Ivana Bacik. Proposed Arrangements for this week’s business: In relation to Tuesday’s business, it is proposed that: 1. the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent: (a) the only Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) which may be answered shall be those under the aegis of the Government Chief Whip, with consequential effect on the commencement time for Government business; and (b) private members’ business may be taken earlier than 6.12 p.m.”
“Thursday's business shall be: - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the establishment of a list of safe countries of origin at Union level* - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1348 as regards the application of the ‘safe third country’ concept* - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Regulation establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC* - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the transition out of temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine* *Four separate motions to be debated together and brought to a conclusion after 3 hours and 32 minutes; question to be put on each motion separately - Statements on the publication of the report of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes).”
“and if not previously concluded, to adjourn either at 9.12 p.m. or after 2 hours, whichever is the later) - Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 (Report and Final Stages) [changed from Social Welfare Bereaved Partner’s Pension) Bill 2025] (to conclude within 1 hour) Wednesday’s private members' business shall be the Motion re Nursing Homes, selected by the Labour Party.”
“I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Nomination to Appoint the Deputy Police Ombudsman (without debate) - Motion re Fourth Report of the Standing Committee of Selection (without debate) - Statements on the publication of the report of the review of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (not to exceed 2 hours and 25 minutes). Tuesday's private members' business shall be Motion re GPO and Moore Street regeneration as a 1916 Cultural Quarter, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Statements on All Island Strategic Rail Review recommendations (to adjourn after 1 hour and 30 minutes and resume on 9th July) - Statements on the Middle East (not to exceed 3 hours and 32 minutes) - Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Report and Final Stages) (to be taken no earlier than 6.30 p.m.”
“I move amendment No. 298: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 223. The Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 is amended— (a) in section 2(1), by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “Commission”: “ ‘Commission’ has the meaning assigned to it by the Mental Health Act 2025 ;”, and (b) in section 29— (i) in subsection (1), by the substitution of “a registered mental health service (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025) ” for “an approved centre”, and (ii) by the deletion of subsection (6).”. Bill reported with amendment.”
“I move amendment No. 297: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 222. Section 2(1) of the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Act 2023 is amended, in the definition of “clinical director”, by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 296: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 221. The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is amended, in section 61(1)(e), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 295: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 220. The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 is amended, in Schedule 1, Part 2, paragraph 1, by the substitution of the following subparagraph for subparagraph (d): “(d) a registered acute mental health centre within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025 .”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 294: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 219. The Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 is amended— (a) in section 29(4)(a), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”, and (b) in section 107(c)(iv), by the substitution of “the Mental Health Act 2025” for “section 2(1) of the Mental Health Act 2001”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 293: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Health Act 2007 218. The Health Act 2007 is amended— (a) in section 2(1), by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “Mental Health Commission”: “ ‘Mental Health Commission’ means the Mental Health Commission established by the Mental Health Act 2001 and continued in being under section 92 of the Mental Health Act 2025 ;”, and (b) in section 8(1)(b)(i)(I), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Acts 1945 to 2009”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 292: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 217. The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 is amended— (a) in section 86— (i) in subsection (1), by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (b): “(ba) the Mental Health Act 2025 , or”, and (ii) in subsection (2), by the insertion of “or the Mental Health Act 2025” after “the Mental Health Acts 1945 to 2001”, and (b) in section 249(1A), by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (a): “(a) an involuntary admission order or renewal order made under the Mental Health Act 2025 ,”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 291: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Health Act 2004 216. The Health Act 2004 is amended— (a) in section 2(1), in the definition of “specialist community-based disability services”, by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Acts 1945 to 2001”, (b) in section 55A, by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “mental health services”: “ ‘mental health services’ means mental health services within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025 ;”, (c) in section 55D— (i) by the substitution of “Chief Inspector (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025)” for “Inspector of Mental Health Services”, and (ii) in paragraph (b)— (I) in subparagraph (i), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Acts 1945 to 2001”, and (II) in subparagraph (ii), by the substitution of “made under that Act” for “made under those Acts”, (d) in section 55G, by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (c): “(c) the Chief Inspector (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025 ) who is in the course of a visit, inspection or inquiry carried out in accordance with section 128 of that Act,”, and (e) in Schedule 2A, by the substitution of “Chief Inspector (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025)” for “Inspector of Mental Health Services”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 290: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 215. Section 47 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 is amended— (a) in subsection (7), by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (j): “(j) a registered acute mental health centre (within the meaning of section 2 of the Mental Health Act 2025 ), or”, and (b) in subsection (8), by the deletion of the definition of “psychiatric hospital”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 289: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Education Act 1998 214. The Education Act 1998 is amended, in section 60, by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “school”: “ ‘school’ means a recognised school other than a recognised school that is situated in a hospital or registered acute mental health centre (within the meaning of section 2 of the Mental Health Act 2025) which is specified in a list of such schools published by the Minister from time to time;”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 288: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 213. The Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is amended— (a) in section 268— (i) in subsection (1C)— (I) by the substitution of “a registered acute mental health centre (within the meaning of section 2 of the Mental Health Act 2025 )” for “a centre (within the meaning of section 62 of the Mental Health Act 2001)”, and (II) by the deletion of paragraph (a), and (ii) in subsection (2A), in paragraph (f)(xv) of the definition of “qualifying hospital” by the substitution of “within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025” for “within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2001”, and (b) in section 1008A(1), in the definition of “relevant medical services”, by the substitution of the following paragraph for paragraph (j): “(j) the Mental Health Act 2025, ”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 287: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 212. Section 23 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 is amended— (a) in subsection (1), by the substitution of “surgical, medical, dental or mental health treatment” for “surgical, medical or dental treatment”, and (b) in subsection (2), by the substitution of “surgical, medical, dental or mental health treatment” for “surgical, medical or dental treatment”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 286: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Bail Act 1997 211. Section 9A of the Bail Act 1997 is amended, in subsection (7), by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “mental disorder”: “ ‘mental disorder’ means a mental disorder (within the meaning of section 2 of the Mental Health Act 2025 ) that— (a) in relation to an adult, fulfils the criteria for involuntary admission (within the meaning of that Act), or (b) in relation to a child, fulfils the criteria for involuntary admission of a child (within the meaning of that Act);”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 285: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Act of 1991 210. The Act of 1991 is amended— (a) in section 23F(2)(b)(ii), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”, (b) in section 23H(1)(c)(ii), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”, (c) in section 23J(1)(d)(ii), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”, (d) in section 23K(d)(ii), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”, and (e) in section 23L(1)(e)(ii), by the substitution of “Mental Health Act 2025” for “Mental Health Act 2001”.”.”
“(2) The amendments of the Coroners Act 1962 effected by subsection (1) shall not apply in relation to the death of a person that occurred before the commencement of this section.”.”
“I move amendment No. 284: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “Amendment of Coroners Act 1962 209. (1) The Coroners Act 1962 is amended— (a) in section 2, in the definition of “State custody or detention”— (i) by the deletion of paragraph (d), and (ii) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (d): “(da) involuntarily admitted under Part 3 or 4 of the Mental Health Act 2025 to a registered acute mental health centre (within the meaning of that Act);”, and (b) in section 60(5), by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (d): “(da) the deceased was, at the time of his or her death or immediately before his or her death, involuntarily admitted under Part 3 or 4 of the Mental Health Act 2025 to a registered acute mental health centre (within the meaning of that Act),”.”
“I move amendment No. 283: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “PART 9 CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO OTHER ACTS Amendment of Defence Act 1954 208. The Defence Act 1954 is amended— (a) in section 202— (i) in subsection (1)(b), by the substitution of “such person has a mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025 ) that fulfils the criteria for involuntary admission (within the meaning of that Act)” for “such person is suffering from a mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2001)”, and (ii) by the substitution of “(6) In this section and section 203 ‘consultant psychiatrist’ has the same meaning as in the Mental Health Act 2025” for “(5) In this section and in section 203 ‘consultant psychiatrist’ has the same meaning as in the Mental Health Act 2001”, and (b) in section 203(2), by the substitution of “has a mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2025) that fulfils the criteria for involuntary admission (within the meaning of that Act)” for “is suffering from a mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 2001)”.”.”
“(2) In this section, ‘mental disorder’, ‘involuntarily admitted person’ and ‘treatment’ have the same meaning as they have in the Act of 2025 .”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 282a: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “ Amendment of section 136 of Act of 2015 208. The Act of 2015 is amended by the substitution of the following section for section 136: “ Involuntarily admitted persons whose treatment is regulated by Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Act of 2025 136. (1) Nothing in this Act authorises a person— (a) to give an involuntarily admitted person treatment for a mental disorder, or (b) to consent to an involuntarily admitted person being given treatment for a mental disorder, if, at the time when it is proposed to treat the involuntarily admitted person, his or her treatment is regulated by Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2025 , unless the treatment concerned is authorised in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2025.”
“I move amendment No. 282: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “ Amendment of section 106 of Act of 2015 207. Section 106 of the Act of 2015 is amended by the substitution of “a person who lacks capacity has a mental disorder that fulfils the criteria for involuntary admission, the procedures provided for under the Act of 2025 shall be followed as respects any recommendation for involuntary admission of that person (within the meaning of section 16 of the Act of 2025).” for “a person who lacks capacity is suffering from a mental disorder, the procedures provided for under the Act of 2001 shall be followed as respects any proposal to detain that person.”.”
“I move amendment No. 281: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “ Amendment of section 104 of Act of 2015 206. Section 104 of the Act of 2015 is amended— (a) by the deletion of the definition of “approved centre”, (b) in the definition of “clinical director”, by the substitution of “Act of 2025” for “Act of 2001”, (c) in the definition of “consultant psychiatrist”, by the substitution of “Act of 2025” for “Act of 2001”, (d) by the substitution of the following definition for the definition of “mental disorder”: “ ‘mental disorder’, in relation to a person, means a mental disorder (within the meaning of the Act of 2025) that fulfils the criteria for the involuntary admission of that person in accordance with that Act;”, and (e) by the insertion of the following definition: “ ‘criteria for involuntary admission’ has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Act of 2025.”.”.”
“I move amendment No. 280: “ Amendment of section 98 of Act of 2015 205. Section 98 of the Act of 2015 is amended, in subsection (1), by the substitution of “ Part 5 of the Act of 2025” for “Part 3 of the Act of 2001”.”.”
“(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this subsection, where a refusal of treatment set out in an advance healthcare directive by a directive-maker relates to the treatment of a physical illness not related to the amelioration of a mental disorder of the directive-maker, the refusal shall be complied with.”.”.”
“(b) Where, in relation to an advance healthcare directive, at the time when it is proposed to treat the directive-maker concerned— (i) his or her treatment is regulated by Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2025, or (ii) he or she is the subject of a conditional discharge under section 13A of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, the advance healthcare directive concerned shall be complied with in respect of the directive-maker concerned subject to subsections (1) to (5), paragraph (c) of this subsection, and the provisions of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of the Act of 2025.”
“I move amendment No. 279: In page 160, after line 13, to insert the following: “ Amendment of section 85 of Act of 2015 204. Section 85 of the Act of 2015 is amended by the substitution of the following subsection for subsection (7): “(7) (a) Subject to subsections (1) to (5) and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection, an advance healthcare directive shall, insofar as it is provided for by this Part, be complied with.”
“I thank the Deputies who have been present for the past three weeks and those here again today for this landmark legislation to update and modernise our mental health laws. The enactment of this Bill has been a long-standing priority for me and the Government. I thank everyone for their co-operation and interest. I look forward to working with colleagues in the Dáil and Seanad to progress towards enactment.”
“Officials in the Department will continue to liaise with stakeholder on the amended consent to treatment provision in Part 3, Chapter 3, and provisions related to regulation in Part 6. I will move any further amendments required for that Chapter on Report Stage. Technical amendments to the titles of two Ministers which have changed since publication will be required throughout the Bill. I understand further readings of the Bill will be undertaken by officials in the Department and the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and there many be minor amendments arising from these readings but not in relation to policy. I will move amendments to set out transitional arrangements to allow for the smooth transition from the existing legislative regime under the Mental Health Act 2001 to the new enactment.”
“A number of amendments are being prepared in relation to Part 4 on children to take better account of the Child Care Act, as well as to improve those sections following continued consultation with stakeholders since the Bill's publication. Consultation has been ongoing with officials in the Department of justice and the Department of children. As I mentioned last week, I have asked officials in the Department to consider drafting an amendment to prohibit the administration of ECT on children and young people. That work is under way. There may also be consequential amendments to the Bill to move references to section 83 elsewhere in the Bill, the section on ECT, as this section was deleted last week. We are making sure all the i's are dotted and t's crossed in that regard.”
“212, which provides for an amendment to section 23 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. This amendment was included in the Bill as initiated in section 201 but has been moved. This amendment will allow young people aged 16 and 17 years to consent to or refuse mental health treatment on the same basis as physical health. As this is the final grouping, I would like to flag that I will move a number of amendments on Report Stage. I have mentioned these amendments at various points over the past few weeks. These amendments primarily relate to the interaction between this enactment and the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, the Child Care Act 1991 and the Family Courts Act 2024.”