John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners who participated in drug detoxification programmes in Irish prisons in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9066/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The dedicated multidisciplinary drug detoxification programme in the Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison involves both prison based staff and external agencies. The aim of the Unit is to assist prisoners who have indicated a desire to move from either a situation of current drug use or existing substitution programme to drug free status.

Participation is based on assessment of suitability for the programme. Each programme lasts six weeks and can facilitate up to nine prisoners. An essential element of this programme is that suitable arrangements are organised to ensure appropriate throughcare and follow-up of participants. During 2007, a total of 56 prisoners participated in this programme.

The detoxification programme is just one of the many drug rehabilitation programmes currently being offered in Irish prisons. These programmes seek to reduce the demand for drugs within the prison system through education, treatment and rehabilitation services for drug-addicted prisoners. Particular initiatives include, inter alia, methadone maintenance, education programmes, addiction counselling and drug therapy programmes. These programmes involve a significant multidimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and visiting statutory and non-statutory organisations.

Finally, I should add that the capacity to deliver the Irish Prison Service's Drugs Policy and Strategy will be significantly enhanced by the provision of the new complex at Thornton Hall.