17th June 2003
385. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prisoners have access to general medical services while in custody; if so, the medical services available in the community which are not available to prisoners; and the number, type, qualifications and contract status of medical staff employed specifically to service the needs of prisoners by institution. [16417/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): All prisoners are provided with access to health care services while in custody. It is policy to seek to provide health services to prisoners of a standard broadly equivalent to that available to persons in the general community covered by the public health system. In as much as possible, primary care - medical, dental - is provided within prison establishments.*
*For details of answer and numbers of medical staff in prisons please download file.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.