Ms Nicola Byrne:

The role of the authorised officer is very important. When we surveyed our people this week, most of them did not know what an authorised officer was. At present, too many people are experiencing admission and deprivation of their liberties through the Garda Síochána or family members have to sign them in if they have the opportunity. Often, they bang on multiple doors and never get that. What we are not talking about is the people who do not get admitted. I am sure the committee is aware that lots of people present at emergency departments or to teams every day and say they need help, but they do not get an admission. An authorised officer is a very helpful, independent vehicle to support both the person who is mentally unwell and, at the same time, family members so they can maintain their position as carers.

A great deal of work was put into the authorised officer role when it was started, and where authorised officers worked they worked very well. The difference is that under the last Mental Health Act the investment did not follow the authorised officer role, so we never got a chance to explore its potential. If it is rolled out properly, it has significant potential to make a big difference in how people experience care whereby they do not have blue lights at their door and they are able to be admitted in a planned way. Often authorised officers work to agree a plan with the individuals so they may not need to be admitted or signed in through an order but may actually go in voluntarily. We never had the potential to tap into the experience of authorised officers and how that might work in this country, but it is a very important role and we urge that investment is made in the role of the authorised officer.