The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 21 May, 2024

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan, 2024 to 30 Apr, 2024

Specific Details The PSI's recommended reform of the Mental Health Act, 2001

Intended results The PSI aims to reform the 2001 Act to be aligned with human rights and person centered mental health policy through reforms to the governance structure, an inclusive approach in mental health treatment, a restructured Consent to Treatment, and prioritising the wellbeing and rights of children.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity PSI President and CEO

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Letter (2-5)

Letter to Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler and Ms Siobhán McCardle, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Health regarding the PSI's views on reforming the Mental Health Act, 2001 through the Mental Health Bill.

Meeting (1)

Meeting between PSI President, Dr Odhran Mc Carthy, PSI CEO Sheena Horgan, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler regarding the publication of the government's legislation of the Mental Health Bill.

Meeting (1)

Meeting between PSI President, Dr Odhran Mc Carthy, PSI CEO Sheena Horgan, and Deputy Bernard Durkan, T.D regarding the PSI's goals for Mental Health Act, 2001 reform and presentation in front of the Oireachtas Committee on Health.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Siobhán McArdle Assistant Secretary (Department of Health)

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)

Bernard Durkan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)