Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the professional support given to long-term prisoners who become psychologically institutionalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21613/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the psychological support available to prisoners in custody.

Where a prisoner is assessed as having difficulties with their incarceration, steps are taken to provide assistance to address such problems while in prison. All prisoners have access to a range of therapeutic services, including access to medical, psychiatric and other healthcare services, if clinically appropriate. Prisoners also have access to the Prison Psychology Service. Referral to any particular service is on the basis of assessed need. While every effort is made to address identified problems within prison, the Deputy will appreciate that this also requires the active cooperation of the prisoner involved.

The Criminal Law (Insanity) Act, 2006, also provides a mechanism whereby a prisoner who is suffering from mental illness and who cannot be treated effectively within the prison may be transferred to a designated centre under the Act, for further treatment.