Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD has said there must be zero tolerance for sexual assault in mental health services.

There were 42 reports of sexual assault at mental health facilities last year, up from 12 in 2022, according to the Mental Health Commission’s annual report.

Teachta Ward said:

“There must be zero tolerance of sexual violence across our society, including in mental health services. After the Mental Health Commission’s annual report was published last month, showing that there were 42 reports of sexual assault at mental health facilities last year, up from 12 in 2022, I submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister, seeking clarity on a number of issues.

“The response I received leaves me with more questions than answers.

“I have asked if all 42 reports of sexual assault were escalated to the gardaí to which the Department of Health responded, “Upon being notified of an alleged sexual assault, the MHC requests the approved centres to submit a confirmation that the gardaí have been informed of the alleged incident and the evidence of same”.

“I would like to know if this request by the mental health commission was adhered to and if all 42 reports of sexual assault were reported and investigated by the Gardai and what was the result of any investigations.

“I also asked the Minister to provide me with the locations of where the alleged sexual assaults took place so it could be determined if the reports are across all 66 approved mental health facilities or just confined a small number of facilities.

“These are very concerning developments and whilst I note in the response that I received that there are plans to implement adult safeguarding measures, I would like to know why these measures have not been fully implemented to date.

“Safeguarding is now one of the mandatory pieces of training and must be implemented immediately.

“The response I received mentioned the HSE’s Sexual Safety Task & Finish Group. I would like to know the remit of this group and if they will publish what they have discovered so far.

“I have concerns about CAMHS still not being regulated by the Mental Health Commission. These concerns increased last month after a child psychiatrist pleaded guilty to a number of accounts of sexual assault on a child under their care.

“Was this sexual assault one of the 42 reported?

“The Minister must regulate CAMHS immediately and implement the legislation I introduced this year as a matter of urgency.

“I have submitted my concerns to the Minister and requested clarification on a number of matters.

“I am also calling for immediate Government action to be taken to safeguard some of our most vulnerable citizens.”



Note to editors: The Parliamentary Question response is below:



______________________________________________
For Written Answer on :09/07/2024
Question Number(s): 647Question Reference(s): 29036/24
Department:Health
Asked by: Mark Ward T.D.
______________________________________________

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the Mental Health Commission’s annual report for 2023; if he will report on the 42 reports of sexual assault mentioned in the report; if all of these were escalated to the gardaí; the locations of these reported assaults, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The report of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services provides an important independent insight into where we are performing well and where improvements can be made.

The report findings show that during 2023 inspections five centres achieved 100% compliance and 26 centres, including many HSE centres attained 90% or better compliance. In addition, the frequency and duration of the admission of children to adult approved centres continued to decrease in 2023. The HSE is reviewing the report and has in place various initiatives currently underway to address many of the recommendations made. Each Centre will provide a Corrective And Preventative Action Plan to address concerns.
In answering this question the Department of Health engaged with the Mental Health Commission, who advised:
‘The MHC corresponded with the National Director, Community Operations in the HSE about alleged sexual assaults in approved centres which resulted in correspondence being issued to all Chief Officers and the creation of the HSE’s Sexual Safety Task & Finish Group.

Following the communication from the National Director, the MHC saw an increase in reported alleged sexual assaults as approved centres followed a consistent approach to reporting.

Upon being notified of an alleged sexual assault, the MHC requests the approved centres to submit a confirmation that the gardaí have been informed of the alleged incident and the evidence of same.

As part of the follow-up on the reported alleged sexual assaults, the MHC asked the approved centres about their progress with the implementation of the joint HIQA and MHC National Standards on Adult Safeguarding, their safeguarding arrangements or training in relation to same. Safeguarding is now one of the mandatory pieces of training outlined in Judgement Support Framework 2024 to determine compliance with Regulation 26: Staffing of the Mental Health Act 2001 (approved centres) Regulations 2006.’
Both the Government and the HSE value the regulation of our mental health services as it provides a framework in which to constantly review and improve our services, so they remain person-centred.
The Government values the role of the MHC, which is to promote high standards and good practice in mental health services. It is positive to note there has been an overall improvement in compliance in recent years. However, it is acknowledged that further improvement is needed. We will continue to work closely with both the MHC and HSE to improve mental health services in line with Sharing the Vision.