Putkonen & Völlm (Psychiatric Bulletin, March 2007, 31, ) are not entirely correct in their assertion that Ireland and Finland are alike in their non-requirement for non-medical authorities to be part of the decision-making process for involuntary admissions. Although in Ireland the initial process requires a medical practitioner to recommend an involuntary admission and a consultant psychiatrist to authorise it, the application is usually made by a non-medical person. Also since the Mental Health Act 2001 was fully implemented in November 2001 there is now a barrister-at-law, a layperson and a solicitor, as well as an additional two psychiatric consultants, involved in the review process which automatically follows each involuntary admission.
The new Act brought Ireland into line with its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and with the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.
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