Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

522. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding adequate health facilities in respect of a prisoner (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20630/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that it ensures the delivery of appropriate healthcare services to persons in custody by way of the primary healthcare model. It is the policy of the Irish Prison Service that all prisoners are provided with services and standards equivalent to those available in the general community, and in line with arrangements in place for medical card holders under the General Medical Scheme.

The Irish Prison Service is constrained by the principle of medical confidentiality, and is not in a position to comment further on the individual circumstances of the person referred to. However, the Director General has assured me that the Irish Prison Service will continue to provide all appropriate and necessary healthcare services to the person concerned during his period in custody.

The Irish Prison Service has also advised me that the person referred to has made a number of applications for temporary release. However, I am advised that this person did not meet the necessary criteria for the granting of temporary release and as such the applications were not approved.