I propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 679 together.
A drug-free area with accommodation for up to 90 prisoners has been operating successfully at the training Unit, Glengarriff Parade, Dublin 7 since March 1996. Regarding the possible expansion and improvement of drug-free accommodation for prisoners, I am currently examining several options in respect of other institutions. I hope to be in a position to announce significant developments in this regard in the autumn. The treatment facility for drug addicted prisoners, which includes a detoxification facility, is now in operation at Mountjoy Prison's health care unit. While the staffing arrangements for the unit have been the subject of some discussions with staff representatives, this matter has now been satisfactorily resolved.
Methadone maintenance is one of the treatment options which will be available in the treatment unit. Committals who had been complying with a recognised course of maintenance immediately prior to imprisonment will, subject to certain criteria, be facilitated with a continuation of their course.
These developments at present cater for male prisoners only. Having regard in particular to the self-contained nature of the health care unit, I am not totally excluding the possibility of providing treatment for female prisoners at this location. This will, however, depend on the development of the services there and other operational factors. The plans for the new female prison reflect fully the medical needs of inmates including provision for the treatment of drug addicts.