Social workers to demand reform of mental health laws

The country’s social workers will today call for the urgent reform of the Mental Health Act, claiming that the current laws are not fit for purpose.

The Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW), which represents more than 4,000 social workers, said the current laws did not comply with international human rights law. Its call coincides with the launch by the Mental Health Commission of its strategic plan, entitled ‘Protecting People’s Rights’, which will set out the commission’s ambitions for the next three years.