asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners who (i) are HIV positive, (ii) were HIV positive on leaving prisons and (iii) were HIV negative on entering prison in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - HIV Positive Prisoners.
29.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available to the prison authorities as many offenders do not take the HIV test, which is available to them on an entirely voluntary basis. Also, offenders who take the test can do so at any stage of sentence — not necessarily immediately on entry to prison or immediately prior to leaving.
The most recent figures available show that 44 male and six female offenders in custody have been identified as HIV positive.