Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 426: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the prevalence of mental health issues among women prisoners; the need for an adequate mental health care service to be provided within the centre; and his plans to ensure greater health and social care provision within the community. [35663/11]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 430: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase support services in the community that would address the complex issues and multiple needs of women offenders, including mental health and substance addictions. [35667/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 430 together.

In April 2011, I established the Thornton Hall Review Group. They reported to me in July 2011 and one of their recommendations included the establishment of an all encompassing strategic review of penal policy which would incorporate an examination and analysis of all aspects of penal policy including the issue of female prisoners. On foot of another of its recommendations, a group has also been designated to examine the issue of people with mental illness coming into the criminal justice system. Announcements in relation to both groups will be made shortly.

Aside from the work that will be undertaken by these groups, the Irish Prison Service makes every effort to appropriately address the complex physical and mental health needs which are prevalent among women prisoners. The Prison Service seeks to establish a robust system providing enhanced integration and further development of services with statutory and voluntary partners. The Prison Service is also engaged with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in advancing the objective of securing access for all appropriate prisoners to the general community psychiatric services with discussions ongoing to improve access to Community Mental Health Teams.

In terms of support services, the Probation Service of my Department is the lead agency in the assessment and management of offenders in our communities. The Service works in partnership with other statutory and voluntary agencies including the HSE mental health and addiction services to ensure appropriate supports and treatment services are provided to Probation Service clients.

In 2011, my Department through the Probation Service allocated funding to 48 Community Based Organisations working primarily with adult offenders. A number of these organisations provide services, such as accommodation, family support and drug programmes specifically to address the challenges women offenders face integrating back into their communities. The Probation Service also works closely with emergency housing and homeless agencies in relation to the accommodation needs of homeless women. In addition, the Service is reviewing effective programmes and methodologies for engagement and work with female offenders.