Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
104. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if she will ensure the Community Access Support Team pilot project in Limerick is maintained for the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot project now underway in Limerick arose from the Final Report of the High Level Taskforce published in 2022 to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector.
The progression of this important new initiative, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been a priority for me, the Minister for Justice, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána.
The CAST team are working to enhance diversionary practices for those experiencing crisis and situational trauma that leads to mental health difficulties, with the shared goal of providing a compassionate and effective response to people in distress. The pilot became operational in January 2025 and has been beneficial for vulnerable people in Limerick.
The CAST pilot project is a very real example of a multi-agency approach to better support those in the criminal justice system with mental health and/or addiction issues and to make a meaningful difference to their treatment.
An evaluation of CAST will be finalised this year which will provide an evidence base that will help inform next steps, including any potential rollout of this model of care as appropriate nationally in the future. The recommendations from the evaluation will be considered by the Department of Health and Department of Justice, alongside key stakeholders.
I will continue to liaise with the Minister for Justice on this matter and the HSE will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána on this important new initiative.
