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June 25, 2025 – Department of Health
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. has successfully guided the Mental Health Bill 2024 through Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann, marking a major milestone in modernising Ireland’s mental health legislation.
The Bill, which will replace the Mental Health Act 2001, is designed to strengthen legal protections for individuals with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. It introduces a more rights-based, person-centred approach and reflects years of research, drafting, and consultation with stakeholders, including service users and advocacy groups.
Originally published in July 2024 and passed at Second Stage in September, the Bill lapsed with the dissolution of the previous Dáil. Minister Butler, as newly appointed Chief Whip, reinstated the legislation as a legislative priority.
Speaking after the Committee Stage passage, Minister Butler said:
“We are now one step closer to this landmark legislation becoming law. It is a forward-thinking Bill that will significantly strengthen protections for those receiving mental health care, particularly in involuntary and acute care settings.”
Over recent weeks, a series of robust debates led to the adoption of several key amendments aimed at addressing stakeholder concerns about implementation and safeguarding rights.
Key Provisions of the Mental Health Bill 2024:
- Revised criteria for involuntary admission and detention of individuals with severe mental health challenges
- Strengthened consent to treatment provisions, particularly for involuntarily admitted individuals
- Expansion of the Mental Health Commission’s regulatory remit to include all community mental health services, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- Alignment with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Acts 2015 and 2022
- Enhanced legal safeguards for inpatient care
- Provisions for 16- and 17-year-olds to consent to or refuse mental health treatment
Minister Butler reaffirmed her commitment to progressing the Bill to Report Stage in the coming weeks and expressed her intent to continue close collaboration with the HSE, the Mental Health Commission, and other stakeholders.
“This Bill is an extraordinary opportunity to transform our mental health services. It ensures that the rights of people with mental health difficulties are protected for decades to come.”
The Mental Health Bill 2024 represents a significant legislative reform and a foundational step toward a more equitable and accountable mental healthcare system in Ireland.
Dáil Éireann, Ireland Seat of Parliament, Dublin Picture by justinpickard
