Gardaí want training for mental illness cases

Frontline gardaí want more training to help deal with people who are distressed or who have mental health issues.

The call comes after a Garda Ombudsman report highlighted cases of death or serious injury of people where serious mental health matters played a role.

“There is a need for further training amongst our members as we often have to deal with members of the public who are in distress or who are dealing with mental health issues,” said Ciaran O’Neill, president of the Garda Representative Association.