Review finds quarter of people in Garda custody in 12-month period had 'poor mental health'

The inspectorate said the standard of facilities visited during its inspection ranged from purpose-built custody suites with all the necessary components of a modern, safe and secure facility to those that were unsafe and not secure. File photo: Eddie O'Hare

One in four people in Garda custody over a 12-month period had “poor mental health” or had engaged in self-harm, according to a new report.

Almost half had consumed alcohol or were dependent on it, or drugs, or both, custody records examined by the Garda Inspectorate found. The inspectorate said that more than 2,000 adults and 60 children were taken into garda custody under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2001 during the period studied.