Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021
150. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the plans in place or being considered to provide a multi-agency mental health crisis de-escalation team that will include gardaí; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29840/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is by law responsible for the management and operations of An Garda Síochána, including operations with other state agencies. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that a pilot mental health crisis intervention team is being prepared in Limerick Garda Division. This pilot project is in line with the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing, which recommended in its report the creation of a specialist uniform unit who will work conjointly with health professionals to provide a rapid and integrated 24/7 response to persons with mental health issues.
I am further advised by the Commissioner that this pilot project is being progressed in close collaboration with the HSE, and will include the creation of a crisis intervention team and specific training for members of this pilot team. It is hoped to being the rollout of this pilot team early next year.
