Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
207. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the status of the recommendation of the High Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction; and when the 2024 progress report will be published. [17314/26]
View answerThe High Level Task Force (HLTF) on Mental Health and Addiction published their final report in September 2022. The report identified where further improvements can be implemented in order to enhance the treatment available to those with mental health and addiction difficulties within the criminal justice system. It outlined 61 recommendations to be implemented from 2022 to 2027.
The First Annual Progress Report of the HLTF was published in February 2024 covering September 2022–September 2023. The Second Annual Progress Report covering the period September 2023 - September 2024 was published in July 2025 and is available at the following link: [gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/high-level-taskforce-on-mental-health-and-addiction-1st-annual-progress-report-september-2022-2023/]
The key developments cited in the progress report include:
• Roll out of Mental Health First Aid training to AGS members nationally.
• Development of the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot project in the Limerick Garda Division.
• Publication of the First Progress Report on the Irish Prison Service Health Needs Assessment (HNA).
• Progress in developing a pilot Dual Diagnosis service in Cork Prison.
• The launch of the Mental Health Engagement Framework 2024 – 2028.
Work continues to monitor and further progress the recommendations of the HLTF, and the Third Annual Progress Report is currently being prepared.
