Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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602. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding the concerns and suggested actions of the UN committee against torture regarding the systemic deficiencies in the health care service within the prison system, and the need to undertake an independent review of the prison health care system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37611/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service acknowledges the concluding observations of the United Nations Committee against Torture [UNCAT] on the second periodic review of Ireland, which was adopted by the Committee recently. The Irish Prison Service has noted in particular, the Committee’s observation [16(i)] that it should:

‘urgently undertake a fundamental review of the entire prison health care system, in keeping with the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT);’

In this regard, the Irish Prison Service recognises that the appointment of an Executive Clinical Lead is central to addressing the prison healthcare deficits identified in the CPT 2014 Report. The Irish Prison Service is currently making arrangements for the recruitment of an Executive Clinical Lead.

When appointed, the Executive Clinical Lead will have responsibility for the management of prison healthcare services and will be central to the undertaking of a comprehensive review of those services. The Terms of Reference for this review are to be agreed by the Department of Justice and Equality and the Department of Health once the the Executive Clinical Lead is in place.