Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Mental Health Bill is currently undergoing quality assurance by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and consultation with other key Government Departments is underway.

The Bill will be submitted for approval by Cabinet this month and be introduced to the Oireachtas immediately upon its return after the summer recess.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services provides an important independent insight into where we are performing well and where improvements can be made.

The report findings show that during 2023 inspections five centres achieved 100% compliance and 26 centres, including many HSE centres attained 90% or better compliance. In addition, the frequency and duration of the admission of children to adult approved centres continued to decrease in 2023. The HSE is reviewing the report and has in place various initiatives currently underway to address many of the recommendations made. Each Centre will provide a Corrective And Preventative Action Plan to address concerns.

In answering this question the Department of Health engaged with the Mental Health Commission, who advised:

'The MHC corresponded with the National Director, Community Operations in the HSE about alleged sexual assaults in approved centres which resulted in correspondence being issued to all Chief Officers and the creation of the HSE’s Sexual Safety Task & Finish Group.

Following the communication from the National Director, the MHC saw an increase in reported alleged sexual assaults as approved centres followed a consistent approach to reporting.

Upon being notified of an alleged sexual assault, the MHC requests the approved centres to submit a confirmation that the gardaí have been informed of the alleged incident and the evidence of same.

As part of the follow-up on the reported alleged sexual assaults, the MHC asked the approved centres about their progress with the implementation of the joint HIQA and MHC National Standards on Adult Safeguarding, their safeguarding arrangements or training in relation to same. Safeguarding is now one of the mandatory pieces of training outlined in Judgement Support Framework 2024 to determine compliance with Regulation 26: Staffing of the Mental Health Act 2001 (approved centres) Regulations 2006.'

Both the Government and the HSE value the regulation of our mental health services as it provides a framework in which to constantly review and improve our services, so they remain person-centred.

The Government values the role of the MHC, which is to promote high standards and good practice in mental health services. It is positive to note there has been an overall improvement in compliance in recent years. However, it is acknowledged that further improvement is needed. We will continue to work closely with both the MHC and HSE to improve mental health services in line with Sharing the Vision.