Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 724: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if psychologists and addiction counsellors have now been appointed to the Mountjoy Complex, Cloverhill and Wheatfield Prisons; if so, the number of appointments in each category being made; the location of each of these appointments; if these positions have not been filled, when these appointments will be made; the numbers of positions envisaged; the funding allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10599/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A significant number of psychologists have been appointed to the Irish Prison Service in recent months and this recruitment process is not yet complete. By June of 2005 there will be 14 psychologists working in the Irish Prison Service and, with these increased resources, the psychology service will be better placed to meet the complex and diverse needs of the Irish Prison Service for psychological services.

As a result of this recruitment process, there are now five psychologists assigned to the Mountjoy Complex. This figure is comprised of two psychologists, including a senior psychologist, assigned to the male Prison, one psychologist assigned to the Dóchas Centre, one psychologist assigned to St. Patrick's Institution and one psychologist who was due to take up her appointment in the training unit today.

There is one senior psychologist assigned to Wheatfield Prison. There is also a psychologist assigned to Cloverhill Prison who will also undertake some clinics in Wheatfield Prison. A range of interventions for prisoners with addictions, including addiction counselling, are provided by the medical, psychology and probation and welfare services and the many community and voluntary organisations operating in the prison system. With regard to the appointment of dedicated addiction counsellors, the position is that a joint committee, comprising representatives of the Prison Service and the Health Service Executive, are currently exploring contractual arrangements for an external service provider to provide an enhanced counselling service in prisons and it is envisaged that a tender competition will be held in the near future.