Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 271: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners undergoing methadone treatment per prison per year since 1986 to date in 2006. [34388/06]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 272: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of addicts registered with the prison's medical authorities for other drug treatment services while in prison, per prison, per year since 1986 to date in 2006. [34389/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.

Prior to 2000, there was no systematic recording of the number of prisoners receiving methadone treatment in the Irish Prison Service. Such treatment consisted almost exclusively of brief methadone detoxification provided in prisons in the Dublin area. The position changed in 2000 in that after 2000 the number of prisoners who have received methadone treatment while in prison has increased significantly. While not directly comparable to subsequent years because the changes took place during the year, five persons in the Dochas Centre, 46 in Mountjoy Prison and 17 in Wheatfield Prison received methadone treatment in the calendar year 2000.

The annual figures for 2001 to 2005 (as reported to the Central Treatment List) are as follows:

Accurate figures for 2006 will not be available until the end of this year.

The number of prisoners who take part in other drug treatment programmes is not routinely collected. Prisoners have access to a variety of services to address difficulties associated with drug misuse including health, psychology and counselling services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 273: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps that are taken to ensure that prisoners in receipt of drug-related treatment while incarcerated have continuity of treatment when released. [34390/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As part of the overall drug treatment process all possible steps are taken to ensure that prisoners being released are linked to an appropriate community treatment resource so that on-going treatment needs are coordinated and addressed. This involves engagement by and with the relevant community agencies involved in this area.