Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

John Gormley

Question:

99 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if suitable mental health facilities will be available to cater for those referred to designated centres under the provisions of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002 when enacted, without further worsening provision for the existing prison population or the overburdened civil mental health services. [23438/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I wish to advise the Deputy that the provision of suitable mental health facilities is principally a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin.

The Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002, provides that the Minister for Health and Children may, by order, designate a psychiatric centre or, with the consent of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, a prison or any part thereof, as a centre for the reception, detention and, where appropriate, care or treatment of persons or classes of persons committed, thereto, under the provisions of the Act.