27th February 2003
206. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the medical and para-medical care which is available for prisoners suffering short-term mental illness in each prison. [6035/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Prisoners with mental health problems have access to medical, nursing, psychiatric, and psychology services within the prison system. Where a prisoner develops a short term mental illness and happens to be located in a prison where the incidence of such problems is insufficient to justify the provision of dedicated services arrangements may be made for temporary transfer to alternative prison locations where appropriate care can be provided. Where in-patient treatment is indicated prisoners may be transferred to the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.