Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the former Minister for Justice and Equality's request in May 2014 for a report within three months, if the Inter-Departmental Group on Justice and Mental Health has considered the recommendations of the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Death of Gary Douch; the extent to which those recommendations have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19606/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Alan Shatter TD, and Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch TD, published the Report of the Commission of Investigation into the death of Gary Douch on 1 May, 2014.

The Commission’s Final Report contained several conclusions relating to the management, medical treatment and psychiatric care of Stephen Egan prior to and subsequent to the killing by him of Gary Douch. The Commission recognised the many significant improvements which had been put in place since 2006, including reductions in prison overcrowding, investment in prisoner accommodation and improved health services for prisoners.

Having considered the Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government decided to refer the Report to the Interdepartmental Group examining the issue of people with mental illness coming into contact with the criminal justice system. The Interdepartmental Group was directed to consider the recommendations in a cohesive way and to report back with an implementation plan within three months. The Group includes representatives from my Department and the Department of Health as well as relevant services including the Health Service Executive, the National Forensic Mental Health Service, An Garda Síochána, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Irish Prison Service.

The Group proceeded to examine the recommendations of the Commission of Investigation which relate to persons with mental illness and the criminal justice system and submitted an Implementation Plan for those recommendations to me and Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch in September, 2014.

I am advised that the Irish Prison Service has reported that significant progress has been made and that a comprehensive action plan has been put in place to ensure that the recommendations relating to the Service are being implemented. Actions in relation to recommendations not yet complete are being progressed and I have requested that implementation of these actions be closely monitored.

I am also advised that progress is also being made by the Department of Health on the Commission's recommendations including plans to replace the existing Central Mental Hospital and to otherwise enhance forensic mental health services nationally.