Senior gardaí warn of 'distressing' number of calls related to mental health issues

Independent councillor says he is constantly being called by farming families, or others in isolated rural communities, to help out those with mental health issues. Picture: Getty

A senior garda says there's no doubt in his mind that a notable increase in the number of Cork people taken into protective custody due to mental health issues can be attributed to the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns.

Chief Superintendent Con Cadogan told a meeting of the Cork City and County JPC (Joint Policing Committee) the number of people detained by gardaí for their own protection under the Mental Health Treatment Acts rose in the region from 538 in 2020 to 741 last year.