Experts advise against legal change to Mental Health Act

Mental health experts have recommended against changing the law to allow for greater family involvement in the care of a person with mental illness.

Minister of state for mental health Kathleen Lynch confirmed the development as two mothers whose families have been devastated by murder-suicides vowed to continue their campaigns for a law change.

Una Butler and Helen O’Driscoll both said that the Mental Health Act must be changed to prevent other families going through similar tragedies.