President Catherine Connolly signs Minister Butler’s mental health bill into law

President Catherine Connolly has signed the Mental Health Bill 2024, and it has accordingly become law.

The bill will regulate all community mental health services for the first time, including all community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

It will also introduce significant new safeguards for people accessing mental health treatment, particularly around consent to treatment and the use of restrictive practices.

16 and 17 year olds will now be able to consent to their mental health treatment on the same basis as physical health.

The bill was first mooted in July 2024, and has since passed through all 11 stages of approval, the last being the President’s signature.

Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, described it as “a once in a generation piece of legislation.”

“The purpose of this Bill is to introduce a more person-centred, human rights-based approach to mental health services in statute. 

"This Bill will empower people accessing mental health services to make decisions about their own care and treatment - respecting their voice and choice.” 

Minister Butler continued: “The last Mental Health Act was enacted in 2001 by the current Taoiseach. Prior to that, it was 1945. I believe the Bill we have passed here today will stand the test of time and I hope it is in place for many years, if not decades, to come.

Minister Butler thanked Deputies and Senators for their support, with over 40 hours dedicated to the legislation in both the Dáil and Seanad.

"The enactment of this Bill has been a longstanding priority for me and for the Government” she said.