Mr Alan Shatter TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr James
Reilly TD, Minister for Health and Ms. Kathleen Lynch, TD who is Minister
of State at both Departments with special responsibility for Mental Health
at the Department of Health, today announced that they have tasked an
Interdepartmental Group to examine the issue of people with mental illness
coming into contact with the criminal justice system.
This is in line with the recommendation of the Thornton Hall Project Review
Group.
While there have been a number of positive developments since the Thornton
Group reported, including the decision by this Government to proceed with a
new replacement for the Central Mental Health Hospital, nevertheless the
interaction between the mentally ill and the criminal justice system gives
rise to particular concerns and a complete review of the area is needed.
The Interdepartmental Group includes representatives from the Department
of Justice and Equality and the Department of Health as well as relevant
services including the H.S.E, the National Forensic Mental Health Service,
the Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service and is jointly chaired by
both Departments.
The Group is to report back by mid 2012.