Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 200: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which a medical condition is being monitored in the case of a person (details supplied) currently serving a sentence in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, County Laois; if they have received the required and regular medical attention in line with their condition; if the full extent of their condition has been determined; if and when they are likely to be referred for further surgery or procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service provides general healthcare services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to those available in a community primary care setting and which are appropriate to a custodial environment. Prisoners are referred to external specialist services as clinically indicated by the prison doctor and referrals are on the same basis as for citizens in the general community covered by the GMS (Medical Card) Scheme.

I have been assured by the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to is receiving all appropriate medical care as required by his medical condition in Midlands Prison. However, as I am sure you are aware, medical confidentiality is a time-honoured principle of professional healthcare ethics and accordingly I am not at liberty to divulge information relating to a person's medical records.