22nd November 2000
330. Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the [1083] first report of the steering group on prison based drug treatment services; and if so, if he has given approval for the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report. [26976/00]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): The report referred to by the Deputy was submitted to me on 13 July 2000, by the director general of the Irish Prisons Service. Following my endorsement of the recommendations, I had the report circulated to relevant Departments and various organisations for observations and feedback before submitting it to Government for approval.
I am pleased to say that I received approval from Government on 18 October 2000 to implement the recommendations contained in the first report of the steering group on prison based drugs treatment services, on the basis that the precise staffing and other expenditure related proposals arising would be the subject of direct negotiations between the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Finance and Health and Children as well as the Prisons Service and health boards. I understand that these negotiations have commenced recently.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.