As the Deputy will be aware, the Mental Health Bill 2024 was published last July and completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 19th September. Since the publication of the Bill, officials in the Department of Health have had constructive engagement with a wide array of stakeholders including the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, the Mental Health Commission, the Health Service Executive, and other representative bodies. These engagements have been important in developing an array of amendments to the Bill which I look forward to bringing to Committee Stage.

The Mental Health Bill 2024 is the result of years of consultation with many stakeholders in the sector, including people with lived experience of mental health services and their families and loved ones. It is a progressive, person-centred Bill that promotes the right of autonomy for people with severe and enduring mental health difficulties.

I look forward to confirming the details of Committee stage in the coming weeks, and to guiding this much anticipated Bill through the legislative process. Further details in relation to scheduling of the Bill will be confirmed in due course.