Written Answers. - Mental Hospitals.
Bernard Allen
Ceist:
364
Mr. Allen
asked the
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform
if he will make a statement on the 1998 annual report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals that the training of gardaí should encompass a mental health module in each divisional area due to the fact that the lack of Garda involvement in certain areas of mental health has caused many practical problems in ensuring that some mentally ill persons in the community receive appropriate hospital treatment.
[25243/99]
I understand that the 1998 report of the inspector of mental hospitals was published recently. The Department of Health and Children will have a co-ordinating function in relation to implementation of the recommendations in the report and I understand that it will be initiating a consultative process with the relevant Departments and agencies in that regard.
The Garda authorities refute any suggestion of a lack of appropriate co-operation or involvement with mental health professionals. The Garda Síochána operates a front-line service in dealing with mentally ill members of society who find themselves in difficulty. As a 24 hour service, the Garda Síochána has a depth of experience in dealing with the mentally ill in a sensitive and compassionate manner. In the day to day course of their work they establish relationships with voluntary and statutory workers and services in the mental health area.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that all student-probationer gardai receive comprehensive training in relation to relevant aspects of mental health, including Garda powers under the Mental Treatment Act, 1945, abnormal behaviours, for example, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia and personality disorder, and suicide.
The social studies element of the training programme includes seminars facilitated by the Rape Crisis Centre, Women's Aid, the ISPCC, Aisdire and Victim Support. All of these seminars deal with the mental effects of the particular incident on the victim involved. Mental health issues relating to suicide and suicide prevention are being addressed by the Garda as part of a multi-agency approach towards a national suicide prevention policy.
With regard to the co-ordination of mental health responsibilities at divisional level, personnel in divisional in-service training schools provide advice to operational Garda on issues relevant to mental health and escort of patients, as the need arises.
Community gardaí are required to liaise with all voluntary and statutory agencies and provide an identifiable contact for any potential or actual difficulties with the mentally ill in their own community.
The Garda authorities are committed to keeping the present arrangements under ongoing review and, updating procedures as necessary in accordance with best practice.
