PRESS RELEASE: Thursday 31 July 2025
Minister for Mental Health welcomes publication of the Mental Health Commission’s report on the declining use of restrictive practices in approved centres
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. today welcomed the Mental Health Commission’s report on the declining use of restrictive practices in approved centres in Ireland in 2023 and 2024.
This thematic report by the Inspector of Mental Health Services, Professor Jim Lucey, notes the significant downward trend in restrictive practices in recent years following the implementation of revised, human rights-based rules governing the use of seclusion and mechanical restraint, and a Code of Practice on the use of physical restraint.
Minister Butler said:
“I welcome this positive report from the Mental Health Commission. It confirms a significant shift away from restrictive practices which is an important goal of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision.
It’s encouraging to see the impact of adopting a person-centred, human rights-based approach to mental health care, in line with the Commission’s Seclusion and Restraint Reduction Strategy.
I particularly welcome the more than 90% reduction in the use of seclusion and physical restraint in CAMHS services.”
The use of physical restraint and seclusion in mental health settings can significantly hinder a person’s recovery from mental illness. These practices can be traumatic especially for people with a history of trauma or abuse and must be a measure of last resort.
They can make it harder for people to engage in therapeutic relationships and treatment and undermine a person’s sense of safety and dignity that are vital to recovery.
Minister Butler added:
“I know that all staff in our mental health services are committed to a compassionate, person-centred, and recovery-oriented approach to caring for people in their most vulnerable moments.
I am actively working with my Department officials and the HSE to support staff and management to eliminate the use of seclusion and restraint where possible, including through the development of more modern facilities.
This year I have allocated a record €31m for capital projects in mental health, and I’m determined we will do much more over the next five years under the revised National Development Plan.
The new Mental Health Bill I am progressing through the Oireachtas also includes a range of safeguards for situations where restrictive practices may still be necessary.
I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all staff across the mental health sector who are striving to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of restrictive practices in our services.”
Minister Butler and the Department of Health will continue to work closely with both the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to embed a culture of person-centred, human rights, and recovery-oriented approaches in our mental health services.