Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for raising this important issue. As part of the programme for Government commitments we have established a high-level task force on the mental health and addiction challenges of persons interacting with the criminal justice system. This is a key goal within the justice plan 2021.

As Deputies know, the task force is chaired by Ms Kathleen Lynch, a former Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, mental health and disability. It met on 28 April, 19 May and 25 June. The membership comprises high level officials from my Department, the probation service, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the HSE, the Central Mental Hospital and the Departments of Health, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and children and youth affairs. Three sub-groups have been established on diversion, the capacity of the Irish Prison Service and the Central Mental Hospital, and community issues. Deputies are correct to say that this requires a multiagency approach. An Garda Síochána also receives training on this issue.

See this speech in context