Ireland's ‘compassionate' justice and mental health strategy aims to avoid prison return

Euractiv

3 days ago

The Irish government has published the second annual progress report of the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, highlighting a series of cross-departmental initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with mental health and addiction issues who encounter the criminal justice system.
The report, released on 28 July, outlines developments between September 2023 and September 2024, including the national rollout of Mental Health First Aid training to An Garda Síochána (Ireland's police force), the launch of the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick, and progress on a dual diagnosis service in Cork Prison.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill placed particular emphasis on the need for a compassionate, integrated response.
'The High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction recognised the importance of taking a compassionate, whole-person approach to supporting people with mental health and addiction challenges who come into contact with the criminal justice system,' she said.
'Many of the Taskforce's recommendations build on what's already in place, aiming to strengthen the connections between services. This joined-up approach is designed to offer more consistent, meaningful support to individuals navigating both the justice and health systems,' she added.
Avoiding incarceration
Carroll MacNeill also pointed to the health sector's progress in developing alternatives to incarceration. 'A particular focus has been on creating real, person-centred alternatives through Diversion initiatives, ensuring that care is better integrated and more responsive to the needs of this small but highly vulnerable group,' she noted.
The Taskforce, a joint initiative between the Departments of Health and Justice, was established following the publication of its foundational report in 2022. Its Steering Committee includes representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, and An Garda Síochána.
Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the report's publication, noting that it can help 'reduce the likelihood of future offending.'
Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler highlighted the expansion of the Central Mental Hospital and the development of Crisis Resolution Teams as key achievements. She also referenced the Mental Health Bill, which concluded its passage through the Dáil on 9 July 2025.
The new policing model
An Garda Síochána has played a central role in implementing the Taskforce's recommendations, particularly through the CAST pilot in Limerick. The initiative, part of the broader 'Policing Service for the Future' strategy, is designed to support individuals experiencing situational trauma or mental health crises.
A Garda spokesperson told Euractiv: 'The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated that societal-wide issues such as the mental health of individuals are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána alone… [recommending] the establishment of multi-agency teams (Crisis Intervention Team) that would include Gardaí to respond to the needs of individuals with mental health issues.'
The CAST project, a partnership between An Garda Síochána and HSE Mid-West Mental Health Services, exemplifies this inter-agency approach. It is currently being trialled in the Limerick Garda Division.
The Gardaí have also embedded mental health awareness into their operational framework. Over 3,500 personnel have received Mental Health First Aid training under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Mental Health First Aid Ireland in June 2023.
In line with the new Policing Model, Gardaí are equipped to respond to critical incidents involving mental health crises.
'There are trained Garda Negotiators, Operational Commanders in every Garda Region throughout the country,' the spokesperson said. 'In recent years, An Garda Síochána has put a significant emphasis on our role as the first line of defence of the human rights of all people we come into contact with.'
Ireland's efforts to reform the intersection of mental health, addiction, and the criminal justice system are being significantly underpinned by European Union policy and funding, aligning national priorities with broader EU objectives on public health, social inclusion, and human rights.
The strategic and financial support from Brussels has enabled Ireland to advance initiatives such as the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, which seeks to divert vulnerable individuals away from incarceration and toward integrated care pathways.
Convergence with EU priorities
Ireland's national mental health strategy, 'Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone', is closely aligned with EU-level frameworks, including the EU Health Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights.
These frameworks advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, with mental health increasingly recognised as a core component of public health policy.
Ireland has also tapped into several EU funding streams to support its reform agenda. These include: European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), EU4Health Programme: and the Justice Programme.
These funds are being used to scale up initiatives such as the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick and the national rollout of mental health training for Gardaí.
As Ireland continues to embed a more humane and coordinated approach to mental health within its justice system, EU policy and funding remain critical enablers. They are reinforcing the country's commitment to reform while anchoring it within a broader European vision of inclusive, rights-based public health at a time of rising drug use in Ireland and a mental health crisis, particularly amongst young people.
By Brian Maguire