Christy O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the training received by student gardaí on mental health related issues and dealing with persons with mental health problems; if there is any continuous professional development training on these subjects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24201/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that Student Gardaí receive training in relation to the Mental Health Act 2001 during Phases 1 and 3 of their training. During phase 3, Student Gardaí receive further training on mental health awareness covering the areas of schizophrenia, depression and suicide. A module on mental health awareness was delivered as part of the continuous professional development programme in 2007. A module on mental health is included in both the Garda Negotiator and On Scene Command courses. Previous participants can be updated by way of distance learning techniques.

The Garda Síochána provides updates on progress towards implementation of the recommendations on Garda Training in Chapter 15 of the "Vision for Change" report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy.

In September 2009, the Garda Commissioner and the Mental Health Commission published the Report of the Joint Working Group on Mental Health Services and the Police 2009. The Working Group was established to review best practice models of cooperation between the police and mental health services with a view to making recommendations for enhanced liaison and joint working systems between An Garda Síochána and the mental health services in Ireland. The Working Group made 7 recommendations. The Garda Commissioner has already commenced work to progress the recommendation relating to Training which builds on the work already done towards implementing recommendations of "A Vision for Change.