Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman. This issue is around the high number of people who were involuntarily detained by An Garda Síochána, people who would have had mental health issues and who have ended up in a mental health institution. This issue has had an impact in many parts of the State. Of course, we understand that many of these people may have had psychotic episodes due to drug addiction also. Gardaí are often in a very difficult position, and are often asked to do intervene by families who have found no other option for these individuals. I fully respect that when gardaí are having to deal with such situations it is because all the other services have failed that person before he or she has come to that position.

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