The Commission is an independent body that was set up in 2002. Our functions are set out in the Mental Health Act 2001. Our main functions are to promote, encourage and foster high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to protect the interests of patients who are involuntarily admitted.

There are a variety of types of mental health services which are provided in both in-patient and community settings in Ireland. Services include general adult mental health services, as well as mental health services for children and adolescents, older people, people with intellectual disabilities and forensic mental health services.