Ireland among highest in EU for psychiatric detentions

Ireland has one of the highest rates in Europe of involuntary detentions in psychiatric institutions, according to a new book published today.

Over 2,500 people were committed to Irish hospitals against their will last year.

According to the author of Clinical Practice and the Law, Dr Simon Mills, the high rate shows there are major flaws in the implementation of legislation concerning psychiatric patients in Ireland.

Dr Mills, who is both a doctor and a barrister, argues that although the Mental Health Act 2001 is now in place, it has yet to be fully enforced.

The patient's right to have their detention independently reviewed, which is enshrined in the Act, has yet to be fully established.

"It is clear there may be many patients being unlawfully detained at the moment," he said.