Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for construction of a custodial drug treatment centre. [22670/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I do not have any plans for the construction of a custodial drug treatment centre. However, as outlined in the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015, Drug Free Units will be introduced in all closed prisons. It is intended that each of those prisons will have a Drug Free Unit by the end of 2012.

Drug Free Units will accommodate and cater for the needs of both drug free prisoners and illicit drug free prisoners - including prisoners stable on methadone in an integrated setting. Prisoners will be required to sign a contract outlining behavioural responsibilities prior to entry to these Units; they will be subject to voluntary toxicology screening on a random basis. Criteria for admission and discharge to Drug Free Units have been agreed and will be applied across the prison estate. Prisoners will have access to the new incentivised regime programme and will be expected to partake in training and educational programmes.

Prisoners will have the continued support of health care staff and in-reach services as required. Merchants Quay Ireland who currently have a contract with the Irish Prison Service for the provision of addiction counselling services will continue to provide support for those in the Units. It is my belief that Drug Free Units will contribute to a safer environment for both staff and prisoners.