Psychiatric laws rushed through ahead of ruling in patient’s case

EMERGENCY laws were rushed through the Oireachtas last night amid fears more than 200 people detained against their will in psychiatric units could demand release due to a legal loophole.

Health Minister Mary Harney ordered the pre-emptive move ahead of a test case ruling today regarding a female patient challenging her detention in a private Dublin hospital.

The new legislation will not affect her or any other patient who has already taken a legal challenge, but it will prevent any of the other 209 people detained involuntarily from insisting on being released if the court rules in the women’s favour.