Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the Irish prisons that are providing a comprehensive hepatitis C and or infectious disease treatment programme within the prison facilities in view of the fact it is reported that up to 13% of the Irish prison population have hepatitis C; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36679/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, all prisoners committed to prison are subject to a medical assessment by the Prison Healthcare Team and Hepatitis C screening is offered to all new prisoners as part of this assessment.

Prisoners can also avail of Hepatitis C screening through their local Prison Healthcare Team at any stage of their time in custody.

All prisoners who are actively engaged with addiction services are routinely screened as per the advice of the Addiction Counsellor/Clinical Addiction Team.

If Hepatitis C is detected this allows for the development of an individual healthcare plan for the prisoner while in custody. Medical treatment is provided, if clinically indicated, including treatment for Hepatitis C. At present, this treatment is available to those who are identified as requiring it and is arranged by Prison Healthcare Staff supported by specialist colleagues from the Acute Hospital Sector.

Comprehensive treatment arrangements with the HSE are in place for the majority of closed prisons. The Prison Service is actively engaging with the HSE and developing comprehensive treatment plans for the remaining closed prisons, namely Castlerea, Cork and Limerick by means of a GP led community model of care for the screening and management of Hepatitis C, in line with the National Hepatitis C Strategy.