The Mental Health Bill 2024 in the Republic of Ireland: Potential implications for adults with intellectual disabilities

The Mental Health Bill 2024 aims to amend provisions relating to involuntary admission, detention, and treatment of persons with ‘mental disorder’ in mental health centres in the Republic of Ireland. This article critically analyses proposals under the Mental Health Bill 2024 which are most relevant to persons with intellectual disabilities (PWID). In particular, it examines the proposals to remove “significant intellectual disability” from the definition of “mental disorder”, and to prohibit the involuntary detention of a person solely on the basis that they have an intellectual disability. It explores the reasoning behind these proposals and identifies potential gaps and challenges which may be created by the proposed reforms, including the issues which remain for PWID who have co-occurring mental illness; the possibility that PWID who exhibit challenging behaviour – but who are not accused of a crime – may be funnelled into the criminal justice system due to a lack of alternative and appropriate measures and services; and possible contradictions which may exist for persons with intellectual disabilities subject to the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006.