The new National Forensic Mental Health facility will be equipped with 13 high-tech scanners at a cost of €750,000 to prevent drugs, weapons and other contraband being smuggled into serious offenders who have been deemed legally insane.

The tragic case in Cobh, Co Cork, highlights the treatment of those with mental disorders by the criminal justice system.

An action brought by a man detained at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) who claims that the refusal to release him is a breach of his rights under the European Convention is due to be heard by the High Court in July.