Mental Health Commission welcomes approval by Government to publish new Mental Health Bill 2024

The Chairperson of the Mental Health Commission, Dr John Hillery, has welcomed the decision by Cabinet to approve, publish and progress the Mental Health Bill 2024 to replace the Mental Health Acts 2001 – 2022.

The Bill contains over 190 proposed changes to the current Act, which is now more than 20 years old. While we have not seen the final Bill, we have seen various parts and note that it is person-centred, will further protect the rights of people with mental health difficulties, and will expand the regulatory function of the Mental Health Commission (MHC) to include all community mental health residences and services, including all community CAMHS.

“I am delighted that Cabinet has approved the Bill and we can now look forward to the Act being signed into law in the not-too-distant future,” said Dr Hillery. “Over the last number of years, the MHC has made evidenced-based, person-centred and rights-based submissions to the Department of Health on the Bill with our General Counsel replying to queries on various matters since 2020. It is our view that our practical person-centred approach, which has been incorporated into the Bill, will benefit mental health services and its users for some time into the future.

“We also proposed that our oversight role be increased across mental health services and I am delighted that this recommendation has been agreed to by Government. We fully expect that the expansion of the MHC’s regulatory powers will ensure that appropriate oversight occurs to ensure better and safer services are delivered in our communities.”

Following the Cabinet decision to approve Bill, it can now be published and progressed through the houses of the Oireachtas.

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said that it was both important and positive to note the prioritisation of the new mental health legislation by both the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler. 

“Both Ministers Butler and Donnelly will be fully aware that rapidly progressing a new modern and progressive mental health act will enhance the voice of patients and create more safeguards for service users. We obviously welcome the agreement to expand the remit of the MHC, which will ultimately drive improvement across other inpatient services.”