Legislation

The Mental Health Commission was established in April 2002 under the provisions of the Mental Health Acts 2001-2018 (the 2001 Act). 

The 2001 Act was fully commenced on 1 November 2006 including Part 2 “Involuntary Admission of Persons to Approved Centres” by which the independent reviews by mental health tribunals of involuntarily detained persons commenced.

The 2001 Act has been the subject of a series of amendments which are listed below together with a list of related legislation and regulations. 

In 2018, Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the purpose of which is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. 

The Mental Health Acts 2001-2018 are currently being reviewed. A Mental Health Bill was published in July 2024 which was subject to amendment in June 2025 and is currently going through the Houses of the Oireachtas. In the drafting of the Bill the CRPD’s rights-based approach to disability was considered.  

Legislation

Primary Mental Health Legislation

Related Legislation  

Bills 

(June 2025)

Regulations

Additional information on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (as amended)  

2015 Act

The Decision Support Service legislation may be found on the Decision Support Service website at the link Legislation | Decision Support Service

COURTS 

Rules  

Forms 

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