Q. Who makes up the Mental Health Tribunal and how does it operate?

A. The Mental Health Commission appoints three members to sit on a Mental Health Tribunal. The members will consist of a practising barrister or solicitor, who has been in practice for not less than seven years immediately prior to appointment, who will act as Chairperson, a consultant psychiatrist (retired consultant psychiatrists are eligible for appointment within seven years of their retirement), and a person other than a barrister, solicitor, consultant psychiatrist, registered medical practitioner or registered nurse. Each member of the tribunal has a vote and decisions are determined by a majority of votes. This means that the decision of the tribunal operates on a majority basis rather than one person having a decisive vote.

The information above was provided by the Mental Health Commission.