Last year, following a previous bid for funding for this form of treatment, which was supported by various claims regarding the involvement of this organisation in various English prisons, the director of prison medical services made inquiries with the English prison health policy unit regarding this matter. Contrary to their claims, it appears that the complementary medical services in prisons organisation does not currently, and has not had for some time, any involvement on a funded basis there. It appears that they were invited to make a supply proposal on a competitive basis but this was not forthcoming. The Prisons Service management there indicated that the CMSP was unwilling to accept an independent, audited and objective review based approach.
I am not aware, although Deputy Flanagan might be, of any objective scientific based evidence to support the claim that this form of medical approach has proven to be effective. Furthermore, the support of testimonies included in the correspondence does not appear to have what I would describe as objective validation.
I am also informed by the director of prison medical services that the alternative therapeutic approach promoted has no statutory or other accreditation in this country. He would, on behalf of registered practitioners, have to seek guidance from the Medical Council with regard to the ethical approach for any co-operation with such an organisation.