Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 562: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the policies in place to ensure that the needs of prisoners with special dietary requirements, for example diabetics, are met. [34853/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 23 of the Prison Rules, 2007 (S.I.No. 252 of 2007) provides that the Governor shall ensure that, where the prison doctor so advises, special provision is made in relation to the dietary needs of a prisoner who suffers from a medical condition the treatment, prevention or alleviation of the symptoms of which necessitates adherence to a special diet. The Irish Prison Service operates a 28 day menu cycle which was reviewed and updated in October 2011. The menu provides a wide variety of wholesome and nutritious food and drink each day, properly prepared and well presented. All prisoners, in particular those with medical needs, are encouraged to make healthy choices from the menu provided.