Mental Health Services
Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-30
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Mary Butler (FF), Waterford

The Senator is right. As she knows, every case is extremely complex. Families are at breaking point trying to deal with this on a daily basis, whereas we know recovery is possible. We know early intervention in psychosis, if people can get the support of an early intervention in psychosis team, makes all the difference, but some people find it hard to accept that and accept the support and care that can be offered. I think that is the issue the Senator is trying to raise.
Involuntary detention is very clear. We debated it here for a long time. We are still working off the 2001 Act whereby the involuntary detention of any person will be determined by the consultant psychiatrist and the multidisciplinary team, who will make that decision. An application can be made but people still have to meet the threshold. We are seeing the benefits of the investment through the early intervention and psychosis programme. In 2025 alone, 478 people received specialist EIP care and more than 31,000 appointments were delivered. Importantly, over 500 family members also received dedicated supports, reflecting the programme's recognition that families are central to recovery and well-being. I commend the work that Shine does every day because it works specifically with families who have a loved one experiencing psychosis.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-30/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-10-05T01:00:59+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-30