1. Save the date notice
Mapping a pathway: Addressing risk, detention and status in the Mental
Health Act 2001
1 March 2013
What:
This seminar will examine core issues arising from the review of the Mental Health Act 2001. It
is an opportunity to hear from national and international experts, who will explore how Ireland
can comply with its obligations under international human rights law, most specifically Article
12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In particular it will focus on the criteria for detention under the Act, including risk; what
amendments to the Act might hope to achieve in this area and what the latest international
trends and laws suggest.
It will also look at the definition of voluntary and involuntary patients currently in operation
and discuss the need for amendment to this category. As part of the debate, we will examine
what safeguards are necessary to prevent deprivations of liberty, what should be taken into
account in doing so, and what the challenges are in this area.
Our keynote speaker is Prof George Szmulker, Professor of Psychiatry and Society, King’s
College London.
When:
1:45pm – 4:45pm, 1 March 2013, Dublin city centre venue, TBC.
A full programme will be issued closer to the date.
Please note that places are limited so early registration is advised. Please RSVP by Friday 22
February 2013 to mentalhealth@amnesty.ie or telephone 01 8638300. The venue will be fully
accessible. Please notify us of any accessibility requirements.