Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not in receipt of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30184/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service provides general healthcare services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to those available in a community primary care setting and which are appropriate to a custodial environment. Prisoners are referred to external specialist services as clinically indicated by the prison doctor and referrals are on the same basis as for citizens in the general community covered by the GMS (Medical Card Scheme).

Having consulted with the Irish Prison Service and clinical personnel in Midlands Prison, I have been informed that the prisoner referred to is receiving the appropriate care for his condition, including referral to specialist services, and has undergone a surgical procedure in this regard. Since this procedure, the prisoner has attended a review with the appropriate hospital specialist. Any further hospital treatment will be as directed by that specialist. As I am sure you are aware, however, medical confidentiality is a time honoured principle of professional healthcare ethics and accordingly I am not at liberty to divulge specific information relating to a person's medical records.