Written answers

Tuesday, 7 July 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Prisoner Data

Photo of Sorca ClarkeSorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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653. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners on waiting lists to access prison psychology services and addiction services in February 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14488/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to persons in the penal system in Ireland is a priority for my Department and the Prison Service.

I understand that the prison healthcare service provides prisoners with access to the same range of quality of healthcare services as available under the medical card scheme in the community. The Prison Service Health Care Standards guide the provision of these health services to prisoners, reflecting the prison context and good clinical practice. These Standards have been published and further information is available on the Irish Prison Service website.

Specific attention is also paid to psychology and mental health. I understand that the Prison Service Psychology Service makes up part of the clinical and operational multi-disciplinary team in each prison and provides tailored psychological assessment and intervention services for people in custody. Psychological interventions include both individual and group based approaches, and are provided through a Stepped Model of Care.

I understand that in addition to working with prison operational staff, the Psychology Service work closely with other multi-disciplinary team members to facilitate cohesive and streamlined care for prisoners, including Healthcare (GPs and Nursing Staff), In-reach Psychiatric Services (Consultant Psychiatrists, Registrars and Psychiatric Nurses), Chaplaincy, the Probation Service, Social Workers, Resettlement Officers and Training and Employment Officers as well as Addiction Counselling Services.

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Irish Prison Service. Unfortunately it was not possible to compile it in the timeframe available but I will write directly to the Deputy when I receive the information.

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