Written answers

Thursday, 10 December 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Prison Mental Health Services

Photo of Patrick CostelloPatrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

40. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which she will address the concerns raised by the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment's recent report regarding the treatment of prisoners in terms of mental illness, restrictive regimes and the use of special observation cells. [41669/20]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

73. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the comments of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane Treatment in regard to the treatment of persons with mental illness in prisons here; the specific plan she has to address the issue of the mental health of prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41283/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 73 together.

Oversight and evaluation are important elements in developing and improving our penal system and I welcome the recent publication of the report from the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture (CPT), together with the responses returned by Ireland in respect of the issues raised by the Committee.

I consider that this CPT report is perhaps the most positive account on Ireland since the process began in 1987 in that it recognises the progress which has been made on long standing issues such as health care and overcrowding in prisons and has favourable commentary on the conditions in healthcare facilities within its remit. While many reforms have been introduced, there are still a number of long standing issues which need more work to be resolved and I understand this is where the focus must be.

As the Deputy will be aware, one area highlighted by the Committee for immediate attention is how the complex needs of people with mental health difficulties who come into contact with the criminal justice system are provided for. The whole area of how criminal justice and public health, especially mental health, intersect and how to best provide the most appropriate service is a priority for the me as Minister for Justice and for Minister Donnelly.

It's priority status is acknowledged in the Programme for Government in that it commits to establishing a high-level cross-departmental / cross-agency taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and primary care support on release.

In order the progress this matter, I met with my colleague the Minister for Health in September to lay the foundations for advancing work on this commitment without delay because I believe that a properly constituted Task Force with the support of both Departments can drive much needed transformation in this area.

It is widely acknowledged that every person with mental health difficulties coming in contact with the system should have access to comprehensive mental health support, the Deputy may appreciate that delivering on this requires considerable planning for, and implementation of, an appropriate model of care for this vulnerable group.

This will be a complex body of work with a number of cross-cutting issues that cannot be addressed in isolation.

I am pleased to say that collaboration with the Department of Health on the development of Terms of Reference and structure for the establishment of the Task Force is now at an advanced stage. The terms of reference have been agreed in principle between the two Departments. Work is now underway to identify a chair and put in place other administrative details.

As the Deputy is aware, a range of other matters have also been raised by the Committee in the report and I am pleased to say that a significant amount of work is underway to address the concerns raised. A review of the use of Safety Observation Cells, has already commenced as has a review of the relevant Prison Rules taking account of the most recently published Council of Europe - European Prison Rules. I understand that appropriate Standard Operating Procedures and training in relation to the use of both Safety Observation and Close Supervision Cells will also be implemented.

In terms of the comments by the Committee regarding restricted regimes, I can confirm that the IPS are undertaking a series of measures to address this issue. I understand that the IPS will review the recording process for out of cell time for prisoners on restricted regimes and introduce a standardised recording for all prisoners on restricted regimes

It is a requirement of the IPS Policy on the Elimination of Solitary Confinement thatGovernors ensure adequate and correct record-keeping. Since the CPT visit, the need for accuraterecording of regime levels has been re-enforced to Governors at both the Solitary Confinement Group (chaired by the DG) and also at the IPS Strategy and Policy Group meeting, which all Governors and Operational Governors attend. Staff have been issued with a reminder of the importance of accurate record keeping. A new standardised reporting book for prisoners on restricted regimes is being introduced to all locations. To enhance the recording of out of cell time, the IPS will review the recording process for out of cell time for prisoners on restricted regimes across the system and introduce a standardised recording of all prisoners on Restricted Regime. Consideration will also be given to incorporating this process into the Prison Information Management System (PIMS).

I think that it is important to note that the numbers on a restricted regime reflect the challenge faced by the Prison Service to provide safe custody for all those in their care. The DG of the IPS chairs a high-level group to look at measures, which can be introduced to reduce the number of prisoners held on restricted regimes. The objective of this group is to ensure that all prisoners receive a minimum standard out of cell time, to engage in exercise or activity consistent with IPS on the Elimination of Solitary Confinement.

Finally, I would like to reassure the Deputy that this Government and the IPS are fully committed to implementing the longer-term changes required to make our penal system safe, effective and responsive to the needs of all prisoners, especially vulnerable persons. While there is unlikely to be quick fix solutions to some of the issues highlighted by the CPT, we will continue to work intensively together to ensure all people get the care and support they need from our system.

Further details on the report can be found on the website of the Committee at

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.