Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures exist to assess the mental health of people, in relation to personal and public safety, who are detained in prisons or mental hospitals, or voluntarily present in mental hospitals, prior to(a) their release on licence at the completion of their sentences and (b) their voluntary discharge. [35797]
§ Mr. MossPrisoners with a mental health disorder are assessed by the prison medical service during their sentence and transferred to and detained in hospital where this is considered appropriate. Particularly dangerous offenders can be made subject to restriction orders.
On each occasion a detained or voluntary patient is being considered for leave of absence or discharge from hospital, personal and public safety are factors taken into account. This is a matter for clinical judgment made by the patient's responsible medical officer in consultation with professional colleagues. Patients who are subject to 1391W a restriction order cannot be granted leave of absence or discharged without the approval of the Secretary of State.
Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to amend the Northern Ireland legislation relating to the compulsory detention of dangerously mentally disordered individuals; and what other measures he proposes to ensure public safety in respect of such individuals. [35798]
§ Mr. MossThere are no plans at present to amend the Northern Ireland legislation relating to the compulsory detention of mentally disordered people. The Department of Health and Social Services is currently considering comments received on draft guidance on the discharge and continuing care in the community of mentally disordered people who are thought to represent a potential risk to themselves or others.