12th April 2001
473. Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he plans to take special measures to help those in prison who suffer from attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. [16606/01]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): A full range of medical services are provided to all prisoners by one or more part-time doctors in each prison. In addition, psychiatric services are provided when required.
The provision of specific specialist services for conditions such as ADD-ADHD continues to be reviewed in the context of similar services being available in the general community and the relative need for such services for prisoners.
A recent survey of the health status of prisoners, which was conducted by the Department of Health Promotion at NUI Galway, found that only 4% of the prison population had ever had a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD. These figures indicate that the prevalence of this disease is relatively low compared to other illnesses within this group of people.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.