Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1503. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 1201 of 19 January 2022, if she will provide a status update of the pilot project; the current and capital cost involved in the establishment of the pilot crisis intervention team in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39805/22]
View answer1504. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide details on the make-up of a crisis intervention team by funding and staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39807/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1503 and 1504 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including the training and deployment of Garda personnel. As Minister, I have no direct role in such decisions. However, the area of appropriate mental health care, especially for the most vulnerable, has long been a priority for me.
The Deputy may be aware that the only statutory option currently available to Gardaí responding to persons in a mental health crisis and potentially posing a risk of harm to themselves or others is to invoke section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2001. Section 12 requires Gardaí to take the person into custody in order to have them assessed by a registered medical practitioner.
This reflects the unfortunate reality that Gardaí often encounter persons with severe mental health issues and will be called upon by members of the public, or, indeed, family members where a person is experiencing high levels of distress. Very often, members of An Garda Síochána are the first or the only available frontline service to whom people will turn in such situations.
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland found that societal issues, such as mental health care, are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána alone. Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) have become a globally recognised model within contemporary policing for safely and effectively assisting people who experience mental health crises or related problems within the community. The Crisis Intervention Team model promotes strong community partnerships among law enforcement, health professionals and appropriate follow-on support agencies.
The Commission recommended the establishment of multi-agency teams - to include Gardaí as well as other professionals - to respond to the needs of individuals with mental health issues. The establishment of crisis intervention units is a priority project under 'A Policing Service for our Future', the Government's implementation plan for the Commission's recommendations. It is envisaged that these units will involve specialist uniformed Garda personnel who will work jointly with health professionals to provide a rapid and integrated 24/7 response to people with mental health issues.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that a joint proposal for Community Access Support Teams (CAST), originally the CIT, was drawn up in collaboration with the HSE Mid-West and is currently under consideration.
