Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I welcome the belated acceptance by the Minister that the conditions in Mountjoy remain appalling. He indicated he has not yet received a copy of Mr. Mellet's report. Presumably, inmates continue to arrive at Mountjoy, including some with mental health difficulties. What particular steps have been taken by the Minister since the murder of Gary Douch with regard to enforcement or renewal of protocols to deal with prisoners who have psychiatric problems, are dangerous or are sick? What has the Minister done since the appalling death of Gary Douch to ensure prisoners are never again put at that type of risk? Is he satisfied that mentally ill people are incarcerated in the normal prison system? What is he doing to ensure that appropriate treatment is given to people who are inappropriately incarcerated at present?

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