Give courts power on mentally ill, says Lonergan

MOUNTJOY prison governor John Lonergan has called for the introduction of schemes that would allow the courts to divert mentally ill accused people to hospital instead of prison.

Courts do not have the right to divert people to hospital, but can recommend they be sent for hospital treatment.

In the case of those arriving at Mountjoy and recommended by judges to be sent to hospital, Mr Lonergan said his prison depended on the facilities of the Central Mental Hospital (CMH).