Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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228. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for the implementation of therapeutic communities in the prison system; if his statement in this regard will be clarified further to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 5 December 2017 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53045/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service has advised that the introduction of a Therapeutic Community treatment model within the Irish Prison Service is a new and innovative model of addiction support within the IPS. In order to achieve the best results and optimum outcomes, it is imperative to review the international evidence, and develop an acceptable plan which is true to the values and principles of the Therapeutic Community Approach, balanced with the needs of the Irish Prison Service and statutory expectations therein.

The Irish Prison Service is committed to progressing this initiative in 2018 through a competitive tendering process . To progress the project to tender stage is likely to take 6-9 months.