Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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1088.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the recommendations of a report (details supplied) have been implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter.[34435/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that 6 of the 8 recommendations made by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons in respect of the Death in Custody report referenced by the Deputy were accepted or partially accepted. Two recommendations made, namely number 7 and 8, were not accepted by the IPS.

A number of the recommendations, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, relate to the revision and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the care and management of those in custody suspected of concealing and/or consuming contraband. I am advised by the IPS that these SOPs are now at an advanced stage, with completion and approval anticipated in Q4 2024. The development and sign off of these SOPs has taken more time than was anticipated owing to very extensive stakeholder engagement which was necessary to ensure fitness for purpose across disciplines in the operational setting.

Recommendation 5 relates to the Irish Prison Service exploring the potential of employing remote monitoring of vital signs technology. The Irish Prison Service has now engaged an external consultant and research on appropriate Non-Intrusive In Cell Sign of Life Technology systems is underway and a Request for Information (RFI) is being developed to gather information from potential suppliers that will support a tender process.

Recommendations 7 and 8 were not accepted by the Irish Prison Service. Recommendation 7, which related to a review of people in custody by a prison doctor on return from hospital, was not accepted as it is the Irish Prison Service's position that all people in custody have timely access to Healthcare services as a matter of course. I am advised that recommendation 8 was not accepted as the HSE are statutorily responsible for appropriate medical treatment and care of patients before they are returned to a prison setting.

The Irish Prison Service will continue to track the progress and implementation of these recommendations as part of their existing recommendation tracking arrangements with the Office of the Inspector of Prisons.