Vol. 399 No. 4
36 Mr. Kavanagh asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners admitted to hospitals in 1989; the measures taken to ensure their security; whether the cost of these measures have been fully recouped by the prison authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the number of prisoners admitted to hospitals in a year is not readily available and compilation of this information would require the expenditure of staff time to an extent that could not be warranted.
Security of prisoners in hospitals — with the exception of the Central Mental Hospital — is maintained by means of an escort by prison staff. Where considered necessary, the Prison Service escort is augmented by members of the Garda and Army. As the security measures involve only personnel from the security forces, the question of recoupment of the costs of security measures to hospitals or health agencies does not arise. The administration of the Central Mental Hospital, including the provision of security, is primarily a matter for the authorities there under the aegis of the Eastern Health Board.
