Health (Mental Services) Act, 1981

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Removal to Garda Síochána station of person believed to be suffering from mental disorder.

16.—(1) Where a member of the Garda Síochána is of opinion or is informed by an authorised officer that he is of opinion that a person is suffering from mental disorder of such a degree that he should, in the interest of his own health or safety or for the protection of other persons or property, be placed forthwith under care and control, he may take the person into custody and remove him to a Garda Síochána station.

(2) Where a member of the Garda Siochána removes a person under this section, he shall apply forthwith in the prescribed form to a registered medical practitioner for a recommendation for reception of the person in a psychiatric centre.

(3) A member of the Garda Síochána shall for the purpose of this section have the right to enter without warrant any house or other premises where he believes the person referred to may be.