Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
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138. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the performance of the community access support team in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22416/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot project in Limerick aims to compassionately intervene in crisis and trauma situations, providing a health response to mental health crises. This initiative, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been a priority for me, the Minister for Justice, the HSE, and An Garda Siochana.

Since its launch in January 2025, the CAST team, comprising uniformed Gardai and HSE mental health nurses, has had 196 interactions, including 35 diversions from Emergency Departments and 3 from arrest. About 11% of interactions involved suicidality.

Local impact measurement shows 78% of interactions had a major impact on individuals' lives, ensuring people in crisis received appropriate care at the right time. The CAST team consists of six professionals: three from An Garda Siochana and three from the HSE.

This project exemplifies a partnership approach, delivering evidence-based results for vulnerable groups. An evaluation conducted in due course will inform any potential national rollout. Initial funding came from local resources to enable swift establishment of the pilot, with future development plans based on pilot outcomes. Local regional HSE leadership fully supports the development of this important service.

I will continue to closely monitor progress of the CAST pilot project with the Minister for Justice and ensure the HSE continues to work closely with An Garda Siochana on this important new initiative.