Department warned of flaw in law on releases

THE Department of Justice was warned in advance about problems with laws introduced in 2006 that have led to people being detained in the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dublin, even though they have been deemed medically suitable for release.

Management at the hospital said 90 amendments were proposed to the Criminal Justice Insanity Act 2006, which deals with people who have broken the law and are mentally ill.

Twelve people suitable for release are being kept in the hospital because of a flaw in the law. Two of these will have their cases heard in the High Court today, where they are seeking a judicial review of a decision to keep them in the Dundrum hospital.