Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)

I will speak briefly to the general scheme of these amendments and the important and critical issue that Garda representatives raised with the health committee this morning about the availability of authorised officers. Their asks, which are incredibly reasonable, is that there be authorised officers for them to call upon. The Mental Health Commission said it planned to bring forward a proposal to increase the numbers. There are questions still remaining as to where those staff members will come from. However, it is vital that those authorised officers be available 24-7.

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