Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Department of Health

Prison Mental Health Services

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

448. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the issues raised in relation to the care afforded to vulnerable prisoners, notably those with a mental illness in the Council of Europe anti-torture committee’s seventh periodic visit report on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42792/20]

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the recently published Final Report of the Council of Europe Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), in respect of its last visit to Ireland in late 2019.  

The Department of Health has examined in detail the CPT Report. The overall thrust of the Report was favourable from a health sector point of view, which relates to Mental Health and Social Care. The CPT highlighted, for example, good Quality and Safety in the health facilities visited, including positive interactions between patients and staff.

There are, however, long acknowledged capacity issues in relation to the HSE National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS).  These will be improved by the opening of the new NFMHS facility at Portrane next year, to replace the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum.

In addition, the HSE is addressing other issues raised in the Report, such as:

- Improving links between the health and judicial system;

- Enhanced links between mental health and other care programmes or external agencies;

- Minimise use of restraint;

- Improve person-centred care, including peer and family supports; and

- Improve medication and record keeping practices. 

Health sector responses to the CPT Report, and to developing services generally, are also reflected in:

- Increased investment for Mental Health services arising from Budget 2021, and that envisaged over future years;

- Reform of Mental Health Act 2001;

- Implementation of Sharing the Vision, including a review of acute psychiatric bed capacity nationally;

- New Capacity/ Protection of Liberty safeguards;

- Reducing CAMHS admissions to adult units; and

- Improving Mental Health Tribunals/HSE Complaints systems.

The  recently launched “Programme for Government – Our Shared Future” is committed to further improvements for mental health, including the establishment of a high-level cross-departmental and cross-agency Taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.

I will ensure that the health sector will continue to work closely with the CPT, and other international organisations, to improve mental health legislation, policies and services in Ireland over future years.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.