Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is part of Sinn Féin policy. It was part of our alternative budget. It would cost €6.8 million to roll this out across each CHO throughout the State. I welcome the involvement of the University of Limerick. Research is very valuable. I read out statistics from the pilot rolled out in Belfast. We can see how invaluable the service was. The Minister of State mentioned diversion from the judiciary system. This is also invaluable. Last week, I spoke about how the prison system is failing people with mental health issues. This is a way to stop people going into the prison system in the first place. It has to be welcomed. How long will the pilot project be? The Minister of State mention two or three years with regard to the contribution of University of Limerick. Will the pilot project be for two or three years? Does the Minister of State expect it to be rolled out in other areas within these two or three years? This would be very welcome.

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