20 March 2003

PRESS STATEMENT

The Irish College of Psychiatrists has again written to Minister McDowell regarding proposed amendments to the Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002. The Irish College of Psychiatrists welcomes this legislation and the new protection and rights it will afford mentally disordered offenders, however, it holds the view that amendments are necessary and that there will be additional financial resource requirements.

Dr. Colette Halpin, Chairperson of The Irish College said in a letter to the Minister, "The amendments we propose encompass the following points which the College believe are crucial to ensure the equitable rights of mentally disordered offenders to appropriate care and treatment.

• The Criminal Law (Insanity) Bill 2002 should be fully compatible with the Mental Health Act 2001.
• The accepting Consultant in the treating centre should be pivotal in the decision making process in order to ensure the appropriate level of treatment and care is accessed.
• The Inspector of Mental Health Services should have responsibility for the designation of centres.
• There should be a process which allows for Community Treatment where appropriate."
  
  Dr. Halpin went on to say, "We refute the notion that this Bill does not carry any additional financial resource requirements. The following resource issues must be addressed if this legislation is to be operational.
  
• The capacity of the National Forensic Service at the Central Mental Hospital must be expanded.
• A national network of a range of secure units must be developed.
• This expansion of the services must be accompanied by an increase in the number of Specialist Forensic Psychiatrists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Any diversion to the Generic Services must be accompanied by an appropriate diversion of funds.
• The need for a specialist service for intellectually disabled offenders is presently well recognised by the profession and will be highlighted further with this new legislation. This must be addressed."

  The Irish College of Psychiatrists has pointed out that it can only support the introduction of the legislation if there is genuine commitment to addressing the above resource issues. The Irish College has also requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss the proposed amendments and its concerns regarding the impact of the Act on Irish Psychiatric Services.

  ENDS

  Further information

  Wally Young, Young Communications 01-6680530 or 087-2471520