Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2016
85. Deputy James Browne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a senior garda in each Garda division has been trained to act as a resource and liaison mental health officer in line with the recommendation 15.1.91 of A Vision for Change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38422/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the training of its members and civilian staff and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy on receipt of same.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 85 for answer on Tuesday, 6 December, the text of which was as follows:-
“To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a senior Garda in each Garda division has been trained to act as a resource and liaison mental health officer in line with the recommendation 15.1.91 of a vision for change; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
At the time I responded that I would request the information sought by the Deputy from the Commissioner and I would write directly to you on receipt of same.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the list of Garda Inspectors nominated to liaise with the Health Service Executive (HSE) insofar as mental health issues are concerned has recently been updated and a liaison Garda Inspector for mental health issues has been appointed in each Garda Division.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that a seminar was hosted in the Garda College in June, 2015 for nominated Liaison Officers in both An Garda Síochána and the HSE. The programme for the seminar included sessions on the Memorandum of Understanding between An Garda Síochána and the HSE in respect of the Mental Health Act 2001; the involuntary admission (to mental health service-providers) process, including the role of An Garda Síochána in that process; and the establishing of local Liaison Groups.
A similar seminar was also held in the Garda College previously, in January 2013.
I hope this information is of assistance.
