Nessa Cosgrove
Labour Panel · Labour Party · Ireland
“The Minister of State recognised that there was a grassroots movement and the documentary "Groundswell" captured it. There is also the documentary "Gasland", which was made in America and came out in 2010. We know it is going to come from America. Again, this is the Trojan horse.”
“The amendment defines "fracked gas", which does not appear anywhere in the Bill. This, with amendment No. 13, would make clear that the importation of fracked gas would not be possible under the Bill. LNG particularly when sourced in the US, is usually derived from fracking.”
“I move amendment No. 3: In page 8, after line 39, to insert the following: " "hydraulically fractured gas" means liquefied natural gas, or natural gas in any other form, that has been produced, in whole or in part, by means of hydraulic fracturing within the meaning of section 5A of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960;".…”
“I am sorry but I just do not buy the argument that it is security. A floating LNG storage facility in Qatar was blown up. It is actually more of a risk to our security to have a floating LNG terminal. This whole thing is mad.”
“All of us were probably at the IFA briefing yesterday. When they gave us the briefing document I saw that it was exactly the same as the one last year and I wondered whether it had got anything it looked for. I was told not really, apart perhaps with regard to areas of natural constraint.”
“Historians, no doubt, are going to refer to this legislation in that way, because the reserve is not going to be used solely for emergencies. We are trying to define what an emergency is. There is no definition. Seven years ago, we led the way in the international community by committing to phase out oil and gas exploration.”
The complete record
Every one of 951 lines we hold for Nessa Cosgrove, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 20.
“She runs Réalta Beaga from Coolaney. She has set this campaign up herself. She did it because she was looking for help and did not know where to get it. She has brought a group of women around her, and it is women supporting women. I am so proud of what she has done. Again, I commend her on bringing this forward. She stuck with this campaign herself. She did it with no money. She produced booklets by herself. She looked at the resources that were there. She very much recognises that there are community services there, the voluntary community sector and the healthcare providers, including GPs. We all know that midwives, GP care and public health nurses need to be properly resourced. The most important thing from this is that we know now that the commitment from the Government is there. I am absolutely delighted.”
“They have the worry about giving birth to the child and, like Senator Ryan said, about whether they will get postnatal depression. That is always in the back of our minds. Many of my friends and many people I know have had postnatal depression. That is always there, but then there are these extra worries about where we will get childcare, how we will pay our mortgage, how we will pay our rent and how we will pay our bills. I hope we can work in tandem on this. The Labour Party has a Bill providing that maternity pay is fully paid up to one year and flexible work options. While we look for childcare, we are also relying a lot on family and friends who might be able to help us with flexible work options. Most importantly, I want to say a huge thank you. I am so proud of Aolish. She is an early years provider.”
“That is really important, particularly something like the perinatal mother and baby unit, which is so welcome to hear. We have heard stories today. I am a mother. I have three children. I know how difficult that time is, and it does not get any easier, especially with a third child. I was lucky enough to have a mortgage, but my maternity leave ended. I had to go back to work after six months. We have come a long way, as the Minister of State said, since our parents had us as children, but women have 26 weeks to go back to work and give the baby over to someone to look after. The people minding them are the most wonderful people. I was lucky that I was able to find childcare for my baby, my youngest boy, at six months, whereas now women are not able to do that.”
“I am absolutely overwhelmed. I am delighted about the support we have received here. I thank all the Senators for their honesty and for telling their own stories. It is really appreciated. I give a huge thank you to the Minister of State. It is definitely no coincidence that it is all women Ministers driving this. I thank Senator Rabbitte for all the work she did coming up to this. She did a lot of work, as did the Ministers of State, Deputies Butler and Murnane O'Connor, and the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. They drove this, and the commitment is there now to push it on. I did not know whether or not there would be support. I am delighted not only that they have committed to actual actions that Aolish has recommended in the Year of Care campaign but also that there is actually money being put behind it.”
“Postnatal hubs, such as the establishment in Sligo University Hospital, provide enhanced community midwifery care delivered to women and babies in clinics they can access. Health checks for mother and baby, breastfeeding support and supplying support for additional services also take place in-person and telephone support is always available. However, the extension of enhanced postnatal midwifery hubs throughout the country and be funded to provide a full year of care would be a fantastic start to all the needs of new mothers. Mar fhocal scoir, I really urge all Senators to support this motion.”
“Long-term, not year-to-year, investment in postnatal services will result in improved healthcare infrastructure. The ninth element is family and partner involvement. Partners and other family members are primary care support services for most women The tenth is training for healthcare professionals, whom we all know play an invaluable role in the lives of new mothers. Our wonderful healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to make an immense difference to the quality of care on offer. It is essential that the training that they receive is relevant, targeted and ongoing to ensure practice remains. I want to finish by acknowledging some of the work that has been done.”
“Groups such as Ardú, which Aolish Gormley founded, could be supported at very little cost through the deployment of community workers to help women themselves and facilitate holistic, informal and beneficial networks. The sixth element is equity and accessibility. All mothers, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity or geographic location deserve equal access to postnatal care, services and support. We know that single mothers and women from disadvantaged communities and hard-to-reach groups need more support. The seventh element is education and awareness. Awareness of the importance of comprehensive postnatal care must be raised, empowering families to understand what is to be expected during the first year and how to seek the support that they need. The eighth is policy and advocacy.”
“Mothers deserve the physical care they need for managing pelvic floor issues and exercises to healing Caesarian scars, to breastfeeding support and guidance for ongoing recovery. The fourth element is workplace and employer support. As the party of work, Labour has always supported workplace policies that accommodate the needs of new mothers. I know that the Government has made great strides in this direction and I really urge and hope that all Senators here will support year-long parental leave, a right to flexible working practices and breastfeeding friendly environments. The fifth element is community-based support networks. Local hubs and support groups provide effective, hands-on assistance and emotional support. They build a sense of community for new mothers.”
“We must prioritise mental health by providing accessible, affordable services for mothers, including therapy, counselling and peer support groups to address conditions like postnatal depression and anxiety. Currently, if a woman requires an inpatient stay due to a mental health incident, she cannot bring her baby with her. No other single move could be more calculated to increase and deepen postnatal depression. The Government must honour its commitment and take immediate action to establish Ireland's first mother and baby unit. The third element is comprehensive physical recovery. Postnatal depression and mental health challenges are not the only challenges faced by women after giving birth. The physical body has been put under tremendous strain and undergone phenomenal changes.”
“Aolish tells the story of a new mother attending her GP for a six-week checkup and being told there was not really a need for it but that they might as well do it anyway - just to basically get on with it. Is it any wonder women often feel invisible and unheard? The Year of Care outlines ten elements of good maternal care that take an holistic approach to ensuring a mother's well-being. The first is year-long postnatal support. Postnatal care should be extended to a full year. Mothers should have continuous access to checkups, mental health support and physical recovery services throughout the first 12 years. We need to significantly increase resources to provide adequate postnatal support to women.”
“Just imagine - or for those of us who have been through childbirth, remember - the immense strain that pregnancy and birth, whether vaginal or Caesarean, puts upon the female body, such as the physical energy required by our system to start and maintain breastfeeding, the sheer emotional and hormonal changes a woman experiences in her body, the mental and physical strain of getting to know a brand new human who depends on you utterly for their life and well-being, and then mix into all that six weeks of sleep deprivation. Life does not become easier after six weeks and can become harder. Precisely at this time, however, after a six-week checkup, care for the mother, in the current system, is withdrawn. Tales of women going for their six-week checkup, during which the GP's attention is solely on the baby, are common.”
“It can be the feelings of inadequacy and loneliness when a husband, partner, family friend or relative returns to work, which can feel even worse for older mothers, who often feel they should have it at this stage all under control. These feelings often come not within the first six weeks but much later. Yet, from the moment a mother gives birth, she is on a countdown. Life does not become easier after six weeks; it often becomes harder.”
“Through following the values and measures proposed in the Year of Care campaign, Ireland could become a leader in maternal care. The personal stories told in the Year of Care booklet, which I have here, will be familiar to anyone who has experienced postnatal depression or who knows close friend or family member who has. The feelings of guilt and confusion with unbounded joy at the arrival of a much-loved and wanted baby is supplanted by the grip of depression, with love beyond measure overshadowed and overpowered by fear that the baby could be unwell or could even have died during their sleep, fear that you are not good enough or fear that you are falling apart.”
“In this motion, we are looking for increased Government funding, improved access to mental health services, extended postnatal checkups, the extension of maternity leave to one year and the establishment of community-based support networks throughout Ireland to ensure every mother has the resources she needs to thrive. All too often the specific needs of lone parents and those most in need of support are neglected. All mothers deserve to feel they are fully supported on their journey through motherhood. Those who need additional help in accessing public services, childcare and income supports must be given it. The aim of this motion is simple. It is to create a system where no mother feels alone and every family have the support they need for a strong start.”
“This grassroots initiative, which I have been following closely since it was officially launched by Aolish in Strandhill in Sligo one Saturday last May, aims to bridge these gaps. The campaign chimes perfectly with the long-established Labour mission of achieving gender equality. Our society and political system still relegate women's issues, needs, aspirations and lives to second place. Without gender equality, our democracy remains unfinished. This motion brings the needs of women at a particular point in their lives into the focus they deserve.”
“The activities women take part in with Ardú include sunrise hikes, running, breathing workshops and sauna sessions and, of course, being based in Sligo, sea swimming, which I have been a part of myself. It was through these conversations with other mothers that Aolish developed the Year of Care campaign, through which she drew my attention to the institutional nationwide lack of provision, which becomes very obvious once it is understood. The lack of postnatal care beyond six weeks is a failure by us as a State to recognise not only the many needs of a new mother stretching beyond six weeks, but also that some needs may not even be recognised by the mother herself or those around her before care has been withdrawn. This leaves many mothers without adequate mental, physical and emotional support during this very critical time.”
“Aolish survived a serious instance of delayed postnatal depression and then founded the movement Ardú, which is the Irish word for "rise". She is also the founder of the Year of Care campaign. Ardú is an informal network of mothers and a space where women can support, inspire and empower each other. It is a community of connection. The name is inspired by the Irish saying "Ar dóigh muid le chéile", together we will rise. The women in Ardú work for and with each other. The genius behind it is that we are all a resource for each other and it is so wonderful to see so many women in here. Gerry is in a minority here, I think. We all know every woman has something of value to share. There is so much stigma associated with talking about mental health, especially for women experiencing postnatal depression.”
“This is a debate on a very important issue that impacts not only every single new mother and baby but also their other children, their partner and their extended family. I thank my cross-party colleagues Senators Harmon, Noonan and Stephenson for allowing our time to be used to discuss this extremely important matter. Postnatal care is often referred to as the fourth trimester, yet while each other trimester lasts 13 to 14 weeks, postnatal care ends just six weeks after childbirth. As a new mother myself 17 years ago, I was aware of some of the shortcomings and gaps that exist in the provision of care for new mothers. However, it was not until I was contacted last year by a Sligo woman and absolute powerhouse, Aolish Gormley, that I saw the structural inadequacies that meant the gaps in care are not accidental but often systemic.”
“I move: “That Seanad Éireann: recognises that: - the period after childbirth is a time of significant physical, emotional, and mental adjustment and that post-natal care is critical for the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and their families; - in particular mothers need access to affordable and timely mental health resources, such as counselling, therapy, and peer support, to address potential issues like post-natal depression, burnout and anxiety; - the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme currently provides for two post-natal visits to a GP, comprising an examination of the baby at two weeks old and an examination of the mother and baby at six weeks old, while a public health nurses will visit the mother and baby at home, usually within 72 hours of returning home from hospital, and visits thereafter are confined to structured checks on the baby’s development; commends: - the ‘Year of Care’ campaign and other initiatives that have highlighted the structural deficiencies in State provision of supports, including in particular mental health supports, for new mothers in their homes; endorses: - the call for comprehensive, year-long, post-natal support for mothers, to ensure that mothers receive the support they need to recover fully and to thrive, benefitting not just the mother, but also the child, the family and society as a whole; calls on: - the Minister for Health to commit to the necessary expansion of services, to include increased funding, improved access to mental health services, post-natal check-ups for up to one year and the establishment of community-based support networks throughout the State, so as to ensure every mother has the resources she needs to thrive.””
“We must ensure that Uisce Éireann, the ESB, the OPW and, most importantly, the local authorities, are resourced to deal with these emergencies.”
“At the same time, we are talking about building LNG infrastructure even though we know this is contributing to climate change. I am always going on about it, but a good start for us would be to look at having a moratorium on the building of data centres and LNG infrastructure, or any fossil fuel infrastructure. We should also look at fully resourcing local authorities. It has come up over and over again that local authority staff are the first people in the line of defence. I accept that work is done by voluntary and community workers, An Post, our emergency services and the Defence Forces. We need to resource local authority staff. The under-resourcing of local authorities has been raised in this House on numerous occasions. The OPW must be accountable and responsible as well. They all play a part together.”
“My heartfelt sympathies go to those whose livelihoods and businesses were affected by Storm Chandra. As Senator Murphy said, we were not affected in the north west. I grew up in Bandon and the Minister of State is from Clonakilty, so we know that flood defences actually work. It is very welcome that the OPW is putting emergency measures in place in the area where I live, Strandhill, but unfortunately there is no sense of urgency to it. We can go around in circles saying we will put in and look at engineering solutions. I agree with my colleague about having natural water retention measures put in place. We have seen and proven they work. We are planting Sitka spruce even though we saw the devastating impacts of such plantations during Storm Éowyn. This is still happening on shallow soil.”
“I know that in my own area. Unfortunately, however, if people within the construction sector, the housing sector and craft apprenticeships are dropping out in their first year, I do not know how we will meet our climate targets or how we are to be expected to build the number of houses we want to build. There is the Oireachtas committee on higher education, of which many people here are members, and I know that a report will be published, but will minimum wage for apprenticeships be included in that? Will a basic minimum wage for first-year and second-year apprenticeships be included in that? When is the publication date coming out? I know we have made huge strides on this, and the Minister of State has to be commended on that, but we need to do more to ensure that first-year apprentices are not dropping out.”
“In addition, it has come up with me that female workers, particularly hairdressers, unlike their male counterparts in construction, maybe, do not even get an incremental rate of pay. Maybe 25 years ago, when the minimum wage legislation was introduced, that was okay in that possibly the reason behind it was to keep 16-year-olds in school. As has come up here many times tonight, however, the average age in craft apprenticeships now is 23, and in hospitality, horticulture and food it is actually 30. Like Senator Kennelly said, we know that this is common sense and that people have mortgages, so it does not make sense that they are exempt in their first and second years. We know we are at a time when we need to keep apprenticeships. The Minister of State has spoken about wonderful initiatives about retrofitting and improvements.”
“As has been said here already, if people are living in one area and doing their apprenticeship in another, they are expected to pay double rent, expected to feed themselves and expected to pay for tools, and people do not have the bank of Mam and Dad to rely on. I know there have been strides in that there will be a more inclusive model but, unfortunately, the minimum wage is a massive issue. I know Ben Friel. He is the president of the National Union of Students-Union of Students in Ireland. He addressed the Oireachtas joint committee on further education and pointed out that apprentice electricians are expected to possess a basic electrician's toolkit costing a thousand euro. I know there is a Bill about that coming up.”
“Craft apprenticeships. Connect Trade Union has told me that 20% to 25% of first-years in craft apprenticeships have been leaving. It has cited low pay as the reason. These are representative bodies that have said this to me. We know that apprentices receive a huge amount of support from the educational side. I know that myself from working in Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, MSLETB. I worked in the Sligo training centre. I was based there. The first-year apprentices have said - and this has come up already - that they are receiving as little as €7.67 per hour in their first year, which rises to €11.50 in their second year.”
“We put a lot of work into it and there was a lot of consultation with different representative bodies, from Connect Trade Union to the Irish Council of Trade Unions, to SIPTU, to the National Youth Council. There have been great strides and there has been more uptake of apprenticeships, which is absolutely commendable and wonderful to see. Unfortunately, however, there is still an issue that 20% to 25% of people are dropping out - I am talking about craft apprenticeships - in their first year. This is what came-----”
“The Minister of State is from my constituency, and I know the hard work she does. She has to be commended. We have met on many occasions in our own ETBs. I know the work she does in the area, and it is well recognised. Katelyn is also welcome. It is great to see more women on apprenticeships. That is what we need. I raise the issue of apprentice pay. People know I brought forward a Bill before Christmas, which would make it compulsory that apprentices be included under the national minimum wage Bill. I was disappointed that it was not supported in any way by the Government and that it was not even given a timed amendment because we did not just draft it on a whim.”
“I wanted to raise this to make sure it is addressed. I know there are so many schools crying out for the list that will come out soon about refurbishments to schools. This school has been waiting for 11 years and the planning permission is going to run out unless the Minister authorises it to move on to the next stage. The planning permission is due to run out in May 2027, so it is a matter of urgency. It was the first time many of them had come up here. It would be wonderful to push on further the interest they have in politics.”
“The issue is getting worse and worse and it is high time we had a serious debate about it. I also want to speak briefly with my last bit of time about another issue. I had a group with me today in the Seanad, members of the student council from the Ursuline College Sligo. I know Senator O'Loughlin was very gracious and met them here. They came here because they are waiting for a refurbishment in the school. They applied for planning permission over 11 years ago. We did the educational workshop downstairs. It was fantastic to hear about how democracies work and I want to say a big thanks to all the staff here in Leinster House for that. We were very lucky to meet the Minister, Deputy Naughton. The students were able to present her with their petition. It was like politics and democracy in action.”
“Go raibh maith agat a Chathaoirligh. I also want to extend my sympathies to the family and to the Cathaoirleach. As a fellow Bandonian, I knew Brian when we were growing up. He used to come to a lot of our debs' balls and graduation balls. He always had a smile on his face. We all thought he was the really cool politician with his long hair and leather jacket and he was a great singer in a band. He is so fondly missed in Bandon. I differed from him politically but he was so well regarded in Bandon and he was only about ten years older than us. Sincere condolences to yourselves and to his family. I also want to mention Grace Lynch. I thank the other Senators for putting the lack of enforcement and regulation on the speaking rota for today. I would really welcome as well that the Minister would come here to address road safety.”
“(2) The Mental Health Commission shall conduct a comprehensive review of the use of medication, specifically including rapid tranquillisers and PRN (pro re nata or “as needed”) sedatives across all psychiatric institutions, with particular attention to the risks of overmedication and the potential use of such medications as chemical restraint. Following this review, the Commission shall develop and issue clear guidelines governing their appropriate use.”.”
“I move amendment No. 155: In page 69, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: “Chemical Restraint 57. (1) A chemical restraint shall not be applied in respect of a person receiving treatment in a registered acute mental health centre or designated centre unless— (a) the restraint is ordered and initiated by a relevant health professional, (b) the restraint is applied to the person by a relevant health professional or a specified person under the direct supervision of a relevant health professional, (c) the application of such restraint is determined by the relevant health professional, in accordance with regulations made under section 58 , to be necessary where there is an immediate threat of serious harm to the person or to another person, or where it is necessary for the administering of treatment to the person concerned, and the chemical restraint concerned complies with regulations under section 58 .”
“We think that electroconvulsive therapy, ECT, should only be administered where an individual has provenly given informed consent. This safeguard is essential, given the significant concerns raised by people with lived experience. I have spoken to people about this matter and many of them have described ECT as traumatic and causing significant side effects. We have heard directly from individuals who fear that ECT could be imposed upon them against their expressed wishes if they are later deemed to lack capacity. Therefore, it is essential to embed a clear legal requirement for informed consent because it would help to protect the rights of individuals and ensure that their autonomy and preferences are respected.”
“I move amendment No. 149: In page 67, lines 4 and 5, to delete all words from and including “a proposed” on line 4, down to and including line 5 and substitute the following: “electro-convulsive therapy, this treatment will not be involuntarily administered unless the person has: (a) a relevant decision-making representative, (b) a valid and relevant advance healthcare directive, or (c) a relevant designated healthcare representative appointed under an advance healthcare directive relevant to the treatment concerned and that representative consents to electro-convulsive therapy, or the advance healthcare directive specifies that there is consent to electro-convulsive therapy.”. We strongly recommend the Government's proposal to ban electroconvulsive therapy for children. This legislation should make that explicit.”
“I move amendment No. 141: In page 65, between lines 33 to 34 and substitute the following: (2) “the High Court has no authority to order the involuntary treatment of an individual against the will and preferences of a person who has capacity or against the wishes clearly outlined in a valid and relevant advance health care directive.”.”
“There is also a danger that it will undermine the system. If people know that their AHDs or treatment approvals might be overruled, they might then be less likely to use these tools, even if they are meant to protect their rights and give them more controls. We have said that the courts are there to protect people's rights, not to override them. We are pressing again to ensure this is a rights-based and person-centred system and that Ireland is committed to both national law and international human rights standards.”
“The court should not be empowered to override the clearly stated will and preferences of a person with capacity or a valid AHD. The CRPD makes it clear that people with disabilities have the same right as anyone else to make decisions about their own lives, including their healthcare. The assisted decision-making Act supports this by stating people with capacity can make their own choices, even if others think those choices are unwise. Allowing a court to override these decisions sends the wrong message. It suggests that even for someone who is capable, and we are talking about people who have capacity to make their own decisions, their choices can be ignored. This risks bringing back a paternalistic system where professionals or judges decide what is best rather than representing the person's own voice.”
“I move amendment No. 140: In page 65, lines 25 and 26, to delete all words from and including “Where” on line 25, down to and including line 26 and substitute the following: “Involuntary treatment cannot be administered to an involuntarily admitted person in cases where the person—“. I tabled these amendments because they would make clear that the High Court has no authority to order the involuntary treatment of an individual against the will and preference of a person who has capacity, or against wishes clearly outlined in the relevant advanced healthcare directive. Explicitly empowering the High Court to override the refusal of a person who has capacity or a valid AHD is incompatible with human rights standards, such as the CRPD, and the approach in the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act.”
“I move amendment No. 130: In page 64, to delete from “, or” in line 30, down to and including line 33 and substitute the following: "in order for the involuntary treatment of a person deemed to lack capacity, who does not have access to Decision Supports, to continue beyond the treatment period, an application must be made by or on behalf of the responsible consultant psychiatrist to the High Court specifying the proposed treatment and seeking an order to continue to administer the treatment concerned to the person while they await decision-supports (in this section referred to as a “treatment order”) where all of the following apply, namely: (a) such treatment is immediately necessary for the protection of life of the person or for protection from an immediate and serious threat to the health of the person; (b) the involuntarily admitted person requires the treatment concerned immediately; (c) there is no alternative safe and effective treatment available; (d) it is likely that the condition of the involuntarily admitted person will benefit from such treatment to a material extent; a treatment order shall, subject to any directions of the High Court, have effect for a period not exceeding 3 months.”.”
“I move amendment No. 125: In page 64, lines 22 to 24, to delete all words from and including “prior” in line 22, down to and including line 24 and substitute the following: “: “(i) prior to any treatment, other than treatment provided under section 48, 50 or 51 , being provided to the involuntarily admitted person, (ii) as soon as possible and, in any case, no longer than 72 hours from the initiation of involuntary treatment for treatments provided under section 48, 50 or 51 .”.”
“A defined cut-off point would provide clarity for practitioners and accountability within the system while still reinforcing the principle that decision-making supports may be integrated into care from the earliest possible stage.”
“We, therefore, propose a more balanced and pragmatic approach that the application for decision support should be made as soon as possible and, in any case, no later than three days after involuntary treatment has begun. This timeframe, we think, allows for the immediate management of any emergency circumstances while also ensuring that the necessary procedural safeguards are promptly activated. It is essential that the legislation includes a clear and enforceable deadline for submitting the application. Vague language, such as "as soon as it practicable", leaves too much room for interpretation, which can then lead to inconsistent practice and undermine the rights of individuals subject to involuntary treatment.”
“Crucially, the Mental Health Tribunal or review board is only empowered to examine the legality of involuntary admission, not the treatment decisions made thereafter. As a result, a person lacking capacity could be subjected to prolonged involuntary treatment without any mechanism to ensure that their will and preferences are identified, considered or upheld while they wait for decision supports to be appointed. The decision support application must therefore happen as soon as possible. While we acknowledge the argument that in ordinary situations psychiatrists may not have immediate capacity to initiate the application before commencing treatment, this does not justify such an extended delay.”
“This need is particularly urgent given that individuals currently have no statutory right to independent advocacy. The 2024 version of this Bill required that an application for decision support be made prior to the initiation of involuntary treatment. It is deeply concerning that the revised text permits a delay of up to 42 days before such an application may be submitted. It is important to highlight that, due to the existing delays in the Circuit Court system, it may take several months before such applications are heard. Under the current draft of the Bill, during this period a person may be subjected to ongoing involuntary treatment beyond 42 days without any external oversight, apart from a secondary review by another psychiatrist.”
“I move amendment No. 121: In page 64, lines 2 to 5, to delete all words from and including “or” in line 2, down to and including line 5 and substitute the following: “the application referred to in section 49 shall be made by the responsible consultant psychiatrist as soon as possible and, in any case, no longer than 72 hours from the initiation of involuntary treatment.”. This amendment requires that an application for decision-making support be made as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours from the start of the involuntary admission. It is essential that individuals deemed to lack capacity are provided with access to decision-making supports as early as possible. This need is particularly urgent given that such individuals-----”
“It is important to recognise that decision-making capacity is fluid though and that it can change rapidly, especially in the context of mental health treatment, as the Minister of State knows. For this reason, it is essential that formal capacity assessments related to specific treatment decisions occur more frequently than every two weeks. We would like to see them happening every seven days at least. This would better reflect the dynamic nature of capacity and ensure that individuals are not subjected to treatment decisions based on outdated assessments and ultimately it would support a more person-centred approach to this care. This is essential to ensure that individuals' wills and preferences are actively sought and respected throughout the course of the care. We just think that 14 days is too long.”
“I move amendment No. 110: In page 62, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: “(5) Notwithstanding the generality of subsection (1) , the administration of treatment to a person shall be regularly reviewed, and in any event, shall be reviewed at least once every 7 days, by the responsible consultant psychiatrist and the capacity of the person concerned shall be regularly reviewed by the responsible consultant psychiatrist or, on his or her direction, by another mental healthcare professional and in any event no longer than every 7 days.”. This amendment would require a review of treatments to involuntarily detained persons every seven days. The Government amendments requiring regular capacity assessments are very welcome.”
“I ask the Leader if he can play any part in bringing the matter to the attention of the Minister, as I know that would be much appreciated by the surviving families.”
“Joseph joined the IRA when he was 15 or 16 years old and he sacrificed his youth and personal liberty to fight for the freedom of the country that he loved. He went on, like many Irish patriots, to serve in the US army in the Second World War. He died in America in 1988. Linda and the other families of the Peterhead Ten as they are called feel that the sacrifice and contribution made by these men has never really been adequately recognised by the State and they have asked me to raise this matter here in the hope that the Minister for culture will sanction the erection of a plaque or monument in recognition of their contribution to the Irish cause. This group is meeting in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday to discuss how this commemoration can be brought forward.”