Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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351. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he has taken to ensure that there is a doctor on call 24-7 in Castlerea Prison, County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12616/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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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 a level of healthcare that is equivalent to that available to persons who are entitled to General Medical Services in the community.

The Irish Prison Service has a contract agreement with a locum agency for the provision of the services of locum doctors to ensure the provision of general practitioner services in all locations in the prison estate, in addition to a number of permanent prison doctors.

The level of General Practitioner service provided in each location is based on the exigencies of the service and is critically assessed on the basis of clinical need.

Based on these factors, an arrangement is currently in place whereby a locum General Practitioner attends Castlerea Prison 5 mornings per week, and also provides on call GP cover on Saturday and Sunday. Castlerea Prison has 24 hour nurse cover and, where necessary, referrals can be made to the local hospitals.