asked the Minister for Justice how many doctors attend Mountjoy Prison, Dublin; if they are available on a 24 hour, seven days a week basis; how many complaints there have been from prisoners who asked for medical attention and were not given attention within a reasonable time; the action which was taken on these complaints.
Written Answers. - Mountjoy Prison Medical Facilities.
694.
Two part time medical officers are appointed to Mountjoy Prison. One or other of them attends the prison every day except Sunday and between them they provide a 24 hour, seven day on call service.
From time to time prisoners complain to the governor about diet or medical treatment but these on investigation have usually been found to be of a frivolous nature. In addition prisoners have the right to bring complaints to the visiting committee. In recent years only one complaint was made by a prisoner to the visiting committee in regard to alleged inadequate treatment by a medical officer. This complaint was investigated by the committee, who, having interviewed both the prisoner and the doctor in question, reported that they were satisfied there was no basis for the complaint.