asked the Minister for Defence if drugs, and in particular thymoleptic drugs, are used for the control of prisoners in the Curragh military prison; and, if so, the circumstances in which drugs are used.
24.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Use of Drugs .
23.
asked the Minister for Defence on how many prisoners, and the frequency with which thymoleptic drugs were used in the control of prisoners at the Curragh military prison in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978 to date.
: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together. Drugs, including thymoleptic drugs, are not used for the control of prisoners in the Military Detention Barracks, Curragh Camp.
: May I ask the Minister if a drug called Largactil is used?
: For what purpose, Deputy?
: For any purpose.
: I am sure that a number of drugs are used for medical reasons when they are required but they are certainly not used for the control of prisoners, as suggested by Deputy Browne.
: If one gives a drug which changes the mood of an individual surely the purpose is to control the prisoner. Does the Minister not concede that point?
: I have told the Deputy that drugs, including the drugs mentioned in his question, are not used for the control of prisoners in the military detention barracks at Curragh Camp.
: Can the Minister say why they are being used?
: If medical people prescribe drugs then they are used for medical reasons but not for the control of prisoners.
: Does the Minister agree that these drugs are given to prisoners?
: I am not agreeing that any drugs are given to prisoners. I am saying that whatever drugs are given are being given on doctors' prescriptions.
: Would the Minister agree that one of the most unpleasant alleged features of modern Soviet society is that these kinds of drugs are given to recalcitrant prisoners in their prisons and in their mental hospitals? What is the appreciable difference between that kind of treatment there and this kind of treatment here?
: Again, I should like to assure the Deputy and the House that drugs are not used for the control of prisoners in the military detention barracks in the Curragh Camp.
: The Minister knows quite well that this is going on.
: If the Deputy does not get the answer he wants he will not be happy anyway.
: Question No. 25.
: Is the Minister not attempting to conceal the fact that extremely dangerous personality-changing drugs are being used in order to control prisoners in the Curragh Camp?
: The allegation in the Deputy's question is completely untrue and unfounded.