asked the Minister for Justice the number of women prisoners in Mountjoy prison, Dublin 7 who have the AIDS virus; the number with the second stage of the virus; the length of sentence remaining to be served in each case; the medical personnel and facilities available to them; and the plans, if any, he has to provide a special unit outside of Mountjoy prison for these prisoners.
Written Answers. - Mountjoy Women Prisoners.
92.
At present there are three female offenders in Mountjoy Prison who have been identified as HIV positive.
I do not believe it would be appropriate to give further information about the medical condition of these offenders especially in view of the small number involved and the need to preserve medical confidentiality.
One of the offenders is due for release, allowing for normal remission, in January next year, another in February next year and the third in January, 1990.
A medical officer visits the prison each day except Sunday and is on call at all times. In addition, arrangements are made for the offenders to attend hospital for tests, treatment etc. when required. A psychiatrist attends once a week and as required. The services of a psychologist are available from Monday to Friday. Representatives of various community based agencies involved with drug addiction visit the prison and are available to those who wish to avail of such contacts. I should mention also that these offenders are housed in the recently renovated officers quarters where each cell has its own ablution and sanitation facilities.
I am continuing to pursue the question of the transfer of the new Unit in the grounds of the Central Mental Hospital to my Department. The transfer was intended to better equip the Prison Service to deal with the growing medical and related problems with which it must contend. The provision of new facilities will not, of course, obviate the need for hospitalisation in appropriate circumstances as at present.