Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is committed to delivering safe, secure and humane custody for those sent to prison in this State. This includes the provision of appropriate mental health services to persons in custody. We accept the CPT's findings that there is much to be done in this regard but welcome its recognition that progress has been made in a number of areas. We are considering how best to deliver appropriate CMH inpatient and step-down resources, complemented by adequate prison in-reach and community forensic mental health services and supports. This is a priority for the Ministers for Health and Justice and for the Government collectively. In addition, a review of the use of special observation cells is under way and appropriate and robust standard operating procedures and training on their use will be implemented. A new prisoner complaints system will be implemented before the end of the year and prison rules are under review to ensure they are aligned with international best practice.

Greater use is being made of alternatives to imprisonment and the IPS has developed a prison population management plan to maximise capacity within the estate, increasing the use of open centres and backdoor strategies, including structured temporary releases. The Irish Prison Service's capital strategy outlines plans for the complete replacement of outdated accommodation in Limerick and Portlaoise prisons, as well as improvements across a number of other prisons. A capital allocation of €36 million has been set aside for this under budget 2021. The Government and the IPS are committed to implementing the longer-term changes required to make our penal system safe, effective and able to respond to the needs of all prisoners, especially vulnerable ones. While there is unlikely to be a quick-fix solution to some of the issues highlighted by the CPT, we will work intensively together to ensure all people get the care and support they need from the system.

The Senator asked about when the task force will report back. I will try to get an answer for him on that as soon as possible.