Implementation of the Duties and Powers of the National Preventive Mechanism in 2012 Considering the fact that several damaged items of equipment were noticed by the NPM during the visit, and that applicants were allegedly responsible for such damage, it was believed that consistent punishment of violators of house rules should also be necessary. It may be hard to find out who the offenders are which is why, according to the NPM’s assessment, it would be worthwhile considering preventive measures, such as for example, the more frequent presence of a person perceived by applicants to be in authority (for example, a police officer). According to the explanation by the Ministry of the Interior, appropriate sanctions are always imposed in cases of violations of house rules; for example, in the form of a written warning, temporary or permanent suspension of exit permits, a one-month prohibition on the payment of the monthly allowance, or compensation of any potential damage as stipulated by Article 80.a of ZMZ, and, in extreme cases, also a measure whereby movement is restricted due to causing danger to people and property. In a case of violent behaviour (fights, threats, etc.), police are always summoned to the location of the event. Difficult cases of damage incurred to property take place in practice, when an offender remains unknown and no sanctions can be imposed. In 2011, there were 80 measures imposed due to violations of house rules in accordance with Article 80.c of the ZMZ, compared to 57 in 2012, together with two measures of restriction of movement due to damage posed to people and property. The Ministry of the Interior also communicated that the NPM’s proposal would be examined and harmonized with all units being part of the internal organisation within the Ministry. An explanation was expressed during the visit that funds would be provided to employ a psychiatrist as soon as possible. The Asylum Centre, in fact, still cannot provide the assistance of a psychiatrist who could be present in the Asylum Centre. Such assistance is currently provided as emergency medical aid in Vič Community Health Centre or at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. The Ministry of the Interior explained that they were aware of the importance of regular psychiatric assistance provided to applicants within the scope of the Asylum Centre since numerous applicants accommodated there had adaptation issues and some even experience serious medical conditions (schizophrenia and similar). Owing to this issue, the proposal for the act amending the International Protection Act has envisaged explicitly including a psychotherapeutic treatment within the additional scope of health care services since lack of such treatment had proved to be a deficiency in practice. In the Ministry’s opinion, this option would enable the applicants to be suitably treated since in the past, applicants were only guaranteed access to psychiatric treatment within the regular health-care network, and, in urgent cases, in the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Considering current experience and according to expectations from the Ministry of the Interior, suitable psychotherapeutic treatment may prevent numerous repetitive issues and provide for suitable regular treatment of established issues (disturbances). National Preventive Mechanism in the Republic of Slovenia under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment 111