Mark Ward TD has said his legislation can plug gaps between mental health and addiction services. Deputy Ward was speaking following his legislation the Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill 2021, passed Second Stage in the Dáil recently. Dual Diagnosis refers to people who present for treatment who have substance misuse and mental health conditions.
Teachta Ward said “The Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill is an important piece of legislation that aims to plug the gaps in services that exist between mental health and addiction. “People who have a Dual Diagnosis often fall between these gaps. Addiction and mental health often go hand in hand. “An addiction may lead to the onset of mental health issues or a mental health issue can lead to people using substances as a coping mechanism. “Because of the inadequacies in the state’s mental health system, people can turn to drink and drugs to give calm to an anxious inner world.
“This is where problems can occur. The mental health problems remain, but are added to by addiction problems. “This Bill will mean that no matter what door the person knocks on for help for addiction and mental health problems, that they are treated with dignity. “A joint care plan between addiction and mental health services needs to be developed to make sure people get the care they need, when they need it and where they need it. “This legislation was debated 1 year ago and the Government opted to kick it down the road until recently, to see the results of the citizen’s assembly on drugs, the publishing of the model of care on dual diagnosis and the reform of the Mental Health Act 2001.
“The Citizens Assembly on Drugs has recommended a strategy that focuses on dual diagnosis, and that is welcome. “I have spoken to dual diagnosis services on the ground and they are not encouraged by the implementation of the model of care. “We are still waiting for the Reform of the Mental Health Act 2001, with no publishing date in sight. “I’ve contacted the health committee and asked that this Bill is considered for pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as possible” “There can be no more delays by Government on dual diagnosis. “There can be No Wrong Door for dual diagnosis treatment.”
