Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Most of the questions have been answered. My first question relates to the detox programmes. I know the deputation touched on methadone. What other detox programmes does the Prison Service run? Does the service run any other medicated detox programmes apart from methadone?

Mr. Donnellan touched on another point. He spoke of the continuation of supports when people are leaving prison. That is critical. Let us face reality: the vast majority of people who go into prison are there for a short period. Let us suppose they go in with a substance misuse or addition problem and they start a detox programme. It is critical that the programme is continued on the outside.

Many of the people I meet find it really difficult to continue the programme of detox and supports when they come out of prison. I realise this is probably outside the remit of the Prison Service, because it relates to what happens back in the community, and I realise the Prison Service staff do the best they can to try to match up those services. However, this needs to be worked on in a holistic fashion. It cannot simply be left to the Prison Service to try to ensure the continuation of supports and services. That is one of the failings currently in terms of trying to address addiction problems in prison when prisoners come back out.