College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

Date published 20 Jan, 2025

Relevant Matter Legislation

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Sep, 2024 to 31 Dec, 2024

Specific Details Post meeting letter and summary document outlining the issues, concerns and solutions discussed with officials of the Mental Health unit of the Department of Health on the current iteration on the mental health Bill 2024.

Intended results To provide the solutions to address those issues. They can be considered for amendments required and included with other amendments being prepared and required to improve the Mental Health Bill 2024 and ensure patients get the best possible individual focused treatment in a timely manner.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Joanne Fegan and Dr Lorcan Martin

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 (1)

Following a meeting between several College members and staff at the Department of Health, this document was created and sent to the department. It highlights key areas of concern in the Mental Health Bill 2024. It also offer potential solutions in the following areas: 1. Consent to treatment 2. Definition of mental disorder 3. Psychosocial assessment (PSA) 4. Regulations concerning care plans 5. Powers of the review board 6. Inspection of all community mental health services, including CAMHS

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.

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)