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Updated to 18 May 2026 (Act No. 10 of 2026 and S.I. No. 212 of 2026)

All effects below are reflected in the most recent Revised Act.

Mental Health Act 2001
No. 25 of 2001

Contents

Commencement

Section Commencement Commencement Information
Ss. 1-5 5 April 2002 Mental Health Act 2001 (Sections 1 to 5, 7, 31 to 55) (Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 90 of 2002), art. 2
S. 6 1 November 2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 411 of 2006), art. 2
S. 7 5 April 2002 Mental Health Act, 2001 (Sections 1 to 5, 7, 31 to 55) (Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 90 of 2002), art. 2
Ss. 8-30 1 November 2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 411 of 2006), art. 2
Ss. 31-55 5 April 2002 Mental Health Act 2001 (Sections 1 to 5, 7, 31 to 55) (Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 90 of 2002), art. 2
Ss. 56-75 1 November 2006 Mental Health Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 411 of 2006), art. 2

Amendments and other effects

How Affected Affecting Provision Commencement Commencement Source
Act included in collectively cited Mental Health Acts 19/2008, s. 8(2), (3) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
  25/2009, s. 1(2) 1 August 2009 Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 (Commencement) Order 2009 (S.I. No. 288 of 2009), art. 3
  10/2018, s. 5(2) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 5(3)
  23/2018, s. 9(2) 8 October 2018 Mental Health (Renewal Orders) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 397 of 2018), art. 2
Application of Act extended 64/2015, ss. 1(2), 106 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 193 of 2023), art. 4(i)
Applied 19/2008, s. 4(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
Saver S.I. No. 551 of 2006, regs. 2, 20(1) 1 November 2006 S.I. No. 551 of 2006, regs. 2
Saver 11/2006, ss. 16(2), 26(2). 1 June 2006 Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 273 of 2006), art. 2
Transfer of cert. functns. under S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 & sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
  42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 4, 58, 59 (1) (2) (3), 74, schs. 3, 5 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 2 (1) amended 10/2018, ss. 2, 5(3) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 5(3)
  24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(2) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
  25/2009, s. 63(1) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment
  42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 2(1) applied 19/2008, s. 1(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 2(1) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner", Medical Registration Council/ Medical Council 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1),(3) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 2(1) constr. refs.  "General Register of Medical Practitioners" 5/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(2) 16 March 2009 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) Order 2009 (S.I. No. 40 of 2009), art. 2
S. 2A inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 16 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 2A ceased 2/2020, s. 1(3) as substituted by 12/2021, ss. 2, 5(2) 10 June 2021 Commenced as per s. 5(2)
S. 2A continued in force Resolution of Dáil Éireann: Debates Volume 999 No. 7, 22 October 2020, Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 - Part 5: Motion
  Resolution of Seanad Éireann: Debates Vol. 272 No. 1, 22 October 2020, Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 and Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020: Motions
S. 4 substituted 10/2018, ss. 3, 5(3) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 5(3)
S. 4A inserted 10/2018, ss. 4, 5(3) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 5(3)
S. 9(1) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 9(1)(a) am. 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(3)(a) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
S. 9(2)(b) am. 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(3)(b) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
S. 9(2)(f) am. 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(3)(b) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
S. 9(2)(cc) par. ins. 25/2009, s. 63(2) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment
S. 9(2)(e) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 9 (7) am. 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 9(8) amended 6/2018, ss. 1(2), 48 1 January 2019 Domestic Violence Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 532 of 2018), art. 2
  24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(3)(c) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
  42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 10 constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 10(3)(c) am. 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(4) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
S. 11(1) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 12(2) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 12(4) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 13(2) am. 25/2009, s. 63(3)(a) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment
S. 13(2) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 13(3) am. 25/2009, s. 63(3)(b) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment
S. 13(3) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 14(3)(a) am. 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(5) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
Ss. 15-18 transitional provisions for unexpired renewal orders, replacement renewal orders and confirmation of expired renewal orders 19/2008, ss. 3, 4, 5, 7(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 15(3) substituted 23/2018, ss. 4, 9(3) 8 October 2018 Mental Health (Renewal Orders) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 397 of 2018), art. 2
S. 16(2)(ee) inserted 23/2018, ss. 5, 9(3) 8 October 2018 Mental Health (Renewal Orders) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 397 of 2018), art. 2
S. 17(1) amended 23/2018, ss. 6, 9(3) 8 October 2018 Mental Health (Renewal Orders) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 397 of 2018), art. 2
S. 17(1)(b) substituted 64/2015, ss. 1(2), 144(a) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2), (3)
S. 17(1)(c) substituted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 17(a)(i) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 17(1)(d) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 17(a)(ii) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 17(2) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(a) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 17(3) substituted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 17(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 17(5) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 17(c) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 17(6) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 17(c) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 18(2) substituted 23/2018, ss. 7, 9(3) 8 October 2018 Mental Health (Renewal Orders) Act 2018 (Commencement) Order 2018 (S.I. No. 397 of 2018), art. 2
S. 18(3) amended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 18(a) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 18(3A) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 18(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 18(3B) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 18(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 18(4) substituted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 18(c) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 19 applied 19/2008, s. 4(5) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 19 saver for proceedings under 19/2008, s. 7(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 23(1) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 23(2), (3) amended 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 24(1) amended 24/2010, ss. 1(2), 98(6) 1 January 2011 Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010 (Commencement) Order 2010 (S.I. No. 648 of 2010), art. 3
S. 25(1), subsec. substituted 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 25(2)-(4), (9)-(11) am. 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 25(14) substituted 21/2022, ss. 10, 13(3) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 13(3)
S. 27(1) am. 25/2009, s. 63(4) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment
S. 28 saver for rights or entitlements under 19/2008, s. 7(1) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 28 order deemed in force until revocation under 19/2008, s. 5(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 28 applied 19/2008, s. 3(2) 30 October 2008 Commenced on enactment
S. 28(3)(b) amended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 19(a) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 28 (4) amended 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 28(5) amended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 19(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 28(6) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 19(c) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
Part 3 (ss. 31-55) application extended 64/2015, ss. 1(2), 98 17 October 2016 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2016. (S.I. No. 515 of 2016), art. 2(b)
Part 3 (ss. 31-55), establishment day appointed S.I. No. 91 of 2002, art. 2 5 April 2002 S.I. No. 91 of 2002, art. 2
S. 33(3)(c) deleted 64/2015, ss. 1(2), 144(b) Not yet commenced. Commencement order required under s. 1(2), (3)
S. 33(3)(c) transfer of functions S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 and sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 35 (2) (h), par. substituted 42/2004, ss. 3 (1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 41 transfer of cert. functions 10/2011, ss. 1(2), 6, 9, 20 & Sch. 2 pt. 1 14 January 2011
S. 44 transfer of functions S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 and sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 48(3)(c) constr. refs. "registered medical practitioner" 25/2007, ss. 1(3), 108(1) 3 July 2008 Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2008 (S.I. No. 231 of 2008), art. 2(j)
S. 48(3A) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 20 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 48(3B) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 20 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 44(8) transfer of functions S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 and sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 48(6) amended 29/2024, ss. 1(2), 34 23 September 2024 Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2024 (S.I. No. 461 of 2024), art. 2
S. 48(12) am. 42/2004, ss. 3(1), 72, sch. 7, pt. 12 1 January 2005 Health Act 2004 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 887 of 2004), art. 2
S. 49(2)(a) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(2)(b) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(2)(c) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(2)(ca) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 21(a), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(3) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(4)(a) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(4)(b) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(4)(c) amended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 21(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(5) references construed 13/2021, s. 4(2), schedule 2 28 July 2021 Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act 2021 (Commencement) Order 2021 (S.I. No. 378 of 2021), art. 2
S. 49(6)(a) amended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 21(c)(i), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(6)(c) substituted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 21(c)(ii), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(6)(f) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(6)(g) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(6)(h) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(6)(i) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(11) application suspended 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 23(b) 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 49(12) inserted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 21(d), 24 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 50(3) transfer of functions S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 and sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
S. 54(4), (5) transfer of functions S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2), 3 and sch. 1 29 July 2011 S.I. No. 418 of 2011, arts. 1(2)
Part 4 (ss. 56-61) application extended 11/2006, ss. 3(3), 26(2) 1 June 2006 Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 (Commencement) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 273 of 2006), art. 2
Ss. 56, 57 compliance with advance healthcare directive confirmed with certain exceptions 64/2015, s. 85(7)(a) as substituted by 46/2022, ss. 1(6), 74 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Commencement) (No. 3) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 195 of 2023), art. 2
Ss. 56, 57 reference to "patient" construed 64/2015, s. 136(1A) as inserted by 46/2022, s. 91 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 194 of 2023), art. 3(b)
S. 58 substituted 2/2020, ss. 1(2)(b), 22 30 March 2020 Commenced as per s. 1(2)(b)
S. 59 compliance with advance healthcare directive confirmed with certain exceptions 64/2015, s. 85(7)(a) as substituted by 46/2022, ss. 1(6), 74 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 193 of 2023), art. 3
S. 59 reference to "patient" construed 64/2015, s. 136(1A) as inserted by 46/2022, s. 91 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 194 of 2023), art. 3(b)
S. 59(1)(b) amended 58/2015, ss. 4(2), 2 15 February 2016 Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 68 of 2016)
S. 60 compliance with advance healthcare directive confirmed with certain exceptions 64/2015, s. 85(7)(a) as substituted by 46/2022, ss. 1(6), 74 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 193 of 2023), art. 3
S. 60 reference to "patient" construed 64/2015, s. 136(1A) as inserted by 46/2022, s. 91 26 April 2023 Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2022 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2023 (S.I. No. 194 of 2023), art. 3(b)
S. 60(b) amended 58/2015, ss. 4(2), 3 15 February 2016 Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2015 (Commencement) Order 2016 (S.I. No. 68 of 2016)
S. 64(3)(c) applied S.I. No. 551 of 2006, regs. 2, 34 1 November 2006 S.I. No. 551 of 2006, regs. 2
S. 71A inserted 25/2009, s. 63(5) 21 July 2009 Commenced on enactment

SIs made under the Act

SectionSIs made under the Act
S. 5(1) Mental Health Act 2001 (Period Prescribed under Section 72(6)) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 44 of 2008)
  Mental Health Act 2001 (Authorised Officer) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 550 of 2006)
  Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 551 of 2006)
S. 9(8) Mental Health Act 2001 (Authorised Officer) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 550 of 2006)
S. 31 Mental Health Act, 2001 (Establishment Day) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 91 of 2002)
S. 40 Mental Health Commission Superannuation Scheme 2017 (S.I. No. 66 of 2017)
S. 66(1) Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 551 of 2006)
S. 72(6) Mental Health Act 2001 (Period Prescribed under Section 72(6)) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 44 of 2008)