Written answers

Thursday, 25 November 2021

Department of Justice and Equality

Prison Service

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

306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of all drug and alcohol treatment services available to prisoners in each prison in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58144/21]

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

307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way drug and alcohol treatment services were provided in each prison in 2021, for example, in-person, by video or by telephone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58145/21]

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

308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who availed of each drug and alcohol service provided in each prison in 2020 and to date in 2021; the range of the shortest and longest of waiting list times for accessing each service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58146/21]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 to 308, inclusive, together.

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled and I will write to him directly when it is available.

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

309. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the details of all harm reduction interventions, for example, naloxone distribution and needle exchange available in each prison; the number of persons who availed of each intervention in 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58147/21]

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

The primary harm reduction intervention utilised by the Irish Prison Service is a healthcare professional consultation with the patient. This includes doctors when prescribing, addiction nurses and addiction counsellors, pharmacists and nurses when dispensing and administering Opioid Substitution Treatment.

Training and harm reduction education is provided by the peer-led Irish Red Cross programme and healthcare staff, including contracted pharmacists within the Irish Prison Service.

I can further advise the Deputy that there is no needle exchange in prison however there are treatments, counselling and training available for patients who wish to avail of addiction services.

Naloxone is not distributed in the prison, it is given to patients on their release from prison.

Patients must have completed the training and understand the risks associated with overdose.

Naloxone is available within the Prison Service for emergency use by trained staff.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the use of the prescription and supply of Nalaxone by prison in 2020 and 2021 to date is currently being compiled by officials.

I will be in direct contact with the Deputy when that information is to hand.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.