Press Release: 28 November 2025
Minister Butler secures Government approval for proposed Seanad amendments to Mental Health Bill 2024
- Government submits over 300 proposed amendments to Mental Health Bill 2024 to Seanad
- Enactment of Bill is a Government priority
- The Bill, which contains over 220 sections, is person-centred and will protect the rights of people with mental health difficulties in the decades ahead
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD has secured approval from Cabinet for proposed Government amendments to the Mental Health Bill 2024, to be taken to the Seanad for Committee Stage debate. The Minister will begin to move the amendments in the Seanad next week (Tuesday, 2nd December 2025).
The prohibition of Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) for children, as well as additional safeguards related to capacity assessments and the strengthening of treatment criteria, are among the 300 amendments being introduced.
Two new sections are also being introduced to the Bill to give new powers to the Mental Health Commission to regulate and monitor pharmacological restraint where a person is a risk to their own safety or the safety of others.
Another amendment being proposed in the Seanad will further align the Bill with the Assisted Decision-Making and Capacity Act 2015. This amendment will make it easier for mental health professionals to apply to Court for the appointment of a Decision-Making Representative for people who are involuntarily detained and who lack capacity to make certain decisions about their own treatment.
Minister Butler looks forward to engaging in constructive debate on the amendments and the continued progress of the Bill as a priority through the Houses.
Speaking ahead of Seanad Committee Stage Minister Butler said:
“The enactment of this Bill has been a longstanding priority for me and for the Government and I am pleased to now bring over 300 amendments to the Mental Health Bill at Seanad Committee Stage. I want to ensure that the Bill is as robust as possible, and I believe these amendments will make the Bill stronger. I look forward to working with colleagues in the Seanad and Dáil to progress towards enactment as soon as possible.”
“These amendments are informed by further consultation with stakeholders and other Government Departments. The substantive amendments both seek to address operational issues and to ensure an appropriate balance between respecting the autonomy of individuals while providing for timely access to healthcare.”
Minister Butler concluded:
“It’s vital we enact this legislation to modernise our mental health legislation and to put in place the necessary safeguards to ensure the rights of people with mental health difficulties are vindicated in the decades to come.
“I look forward to working with Senators across the chamber to examine these amendments in the Seanad in the coming weeks and to work towards the enactment of the Bill as soon as possible.”