asked the Minister for Justice why a person (name supplied) who was sentenced to 12 months in prison, at present being served in Limerick Jail, has not been operated on and given the necessary medical attention considered by his own doctors as urgent four months ago.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Attention for Prisoner.
17.
The position is not as stated. It would not be proper for me to discuss publicly the medical details but I can say that the prisoner in question is and has been since his committal under the care of the prison medical officer. The medical officer knows the relevant facts concerning the prisoner's health prior to his committal and if at any time he considers that the prisoner should undergo surgery while in custody the necessary arrangements will, of course, be made.
Is the Minister aware that this man was called for an operation to Dublin just four days before he was sentenced to 12 months in jail? He is a semi-invalid, a polio victim, and his family are most anxious and concerned. He has been suffering great pain. I have seen letters from this man to his parents.
I can assure the Deputy that the prisoner's medical condition is in very competent hands and the implication of the Deputy's supplementary question casts a serious reflection on the medical practitioner attached to the prison in question. Specialist advice has been taken in regard to this man and he is being treated in accordance with the best medical opinion.
I would say, rather, it is a reflection on the information supplied to the Minister. I am fully aware of the facts since and before this man was put into prison and sentenced to 12 months; and if his visits to specialists here in Dublin who are, I presume, more qualified resulted in their saying an operation is necessary that should surely be checked on by the Minister.
The prisoner is suffering from a condition that at some stage will require surgery, but there is no urgency about it, and the condition is under adequate treatment. When surgery is necessary it will be provided.
Will the Minister bear any responsibility for anything that happens as a result of this man not having an operation?
The implication of the Deputy's last supplementary is unworthy of him.
(Interruptions.)
I want to help the Deputy, but we cannot have remarks like this at Question Time. Let us not indulge in personalities. Has the Deputy a further supplementary question?
No.
There is an obvious breach of medical etiquette from what I can gather of the question and the answers. Would the Minister ask the medical officer in the prison service to consult with the boy's personal doctor with regard to his condition? I think that would eliminate the breach of medical etiquette.
I understand that the medical officer in the prison was fully aware from correspondence with the prisoner's private practitioner of his medical history.