Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. Independent of the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing, all members are very conscious of the need to ensure inter-agency co-operation in terms of responses to specific cases. The Minister rightly referenced several agencies with particular responsibility in that area. There is a need for work-life changes to ensure greater availability. That is an absolute requirement. We cannot continue to depend on members of An Garda Síochána to respond to situations with which they may not be properly trained and equipped to deal. The Garda is repeatedly used almost as a crutch in situations where more experienced or better trained and better equipped public servants would be the appropriate first responders. One such area is mental health. If the Minister is indicating that there will be progress in that area in the coming year, that is to be welcomed.

The Minister queried whether the committee will produce a report. We have decided that we will not do so. However, in the light of the indications he has given, we may offer some observations on our engagements with Ms Kathleen O'Tooole and her colleagues and the Minister. We will determine that over the coming week following discussion of the matter. The Minister's indication of interest in that regard is noted.

There is nothing further in regard to this matter which we can address at this point. On behalf of the committee, I thank the Minister and his officials for their attendance.