Garda-mental health intervention teams' future uncertain amid further discussions

In April 2023, then justice minister Simon Harris said the project would start by the end of 2023, by which stage it was retitled the Community Access Support Team. Picture Colin Keegan/ Collins

Long-awaited joint Garda-mental health crisis intervention teams — first promised to be operational over two years ago — appear to face further uncertainty, with fresh discussions taking place between agencies and departments.

The establishment of a pilot Community Access Support Team has been dogged by delays since it was recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland in September 2018.