Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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On problematic drug and alcohol use, we have had Irish Prison Service representatives here in addition to representatives from the Prison Officers Association. Mr. O'Connell said the drug-treatment programme in Mountjoy Prison currently offers nine places in an eight-week programme to prisoners seeking to address problematic drug use. Mr. O'Connell commended the lessons to be learned and extrapolated to other settings. Reference was made to having drug-free zones designated within the prison set-up. Has Mr. O'Connell any exposure to, ideas on or knowledge of these? Can people who participate on a drug-treatment programme in Mountjoy Prison - the eight-week programme - subsequently opt to be part of a drug-free zone within the prison system? Does Mr. O'Connell have any idea as to how that actually works? Has this been across Mr. O'Connell's radar at any time?