Written answers

Wednesday, 5 March 2008

Department of Health and Children

Mental Health Services

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will address serious deficits in the provision of forensic mental health services outside of the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9311/08]

Photo of Jimmy DevinsJimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The provisions of the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006 have made additional demands on the forensic mental health services particularly outside Dublin, however the situation is improving. An enhanced forensic mental health service is now being provided within the prison system. Increased funding has enabled the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) to provide consultant-led clinics in all prisons within reach of Dublin. The provision of this service, whereby mentally ill prisoners are assessed and/or treated within the prison system, reduces the need for admissions to the CMH. It is also worth noting that assessments for the Courts can be undertaken at the CMH Outpatient Clinic at Usher's Island. There may also be situations where it would be appropriate to divert those charged with minor offences from the criminal justice system to their local psychiatric service.

The newly established Office for Disability and Mental Health has a remit to deliver closer co-operation between the Health and Justice Sector in relation to people with mental health issues who come before the courts and it will be considering this matter in that context in the coming months.

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