The implementation of the final part of the Government's 2001 Metal Health Act is due to begin tomorrow.
Part two of the legislation includes measures that allow people admitted against their will to mental health hospitals to have the decision examined by a tribunal.
The Irish College of Psychiatrists is welcoming the changes, though it says some serious problems are still not being addressed.
Spokesperson Dr Kate Ganter says even with these new measures, Ireland compares badly to other EU countries in its treatment of the mentally ill.
She says a lack of resources over many years mean Ireland is ill-prepared for the implementation of reforms, but there is no excuse for not funding required services given the country's current wealth.