A new report from the Mental Health Commission reveals that the use of restrictive practices in Irish mental health centres has decreased by nearly 50% over the past five years. Notably, physical restraint instances dropped from 6,747 in 2019 to 3,467 in 2023, while seclusion episodes fell from 1,364 to 895 in the same period. Outgoing Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, and MHC leaders emphasize the importance of a human rights-based approach to care, reflecting evolving societal attitudes towards mental health services.

Source