Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some of those bigger complexes have up to 1,000 prisoners and there is only one doctor, plus the locum. The prisoners would be lucky to see the same doctor twice if they were in for a year if locums are coming and going and there is only one doctor. I am just looking at the health of the prisoners and that is where I am coming from. I do not know the answer, I am not a doctor, but on the face of it, it seems very light. Health and mental health are big issues. A number of prisoners are on prescription. I would be afraid that the volume of work for those four permanent doctors and locums is so large. One would hope prisoners have good access to a doctor, if required, although I know nurses probably handle many of the issues. I am expressing concern and the witnesses know where I am coming from.