Liz O'Donnell
Question:51 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice whether the contractual difficulties in the provision of medical services in Mountjoy prison have been resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2184/97]
Written Answers. - Prison Medical Services.
As indicated in my response to Deputy Clohessy on 15 October 1996, the legal advice which I received regarding certain aspects of the proposed contract for prison medical doctors has since been considered by my Department and the Department of Finance. Subsequently a revised contract was provided to the Irish Medical Organisation on 4 December 1996 for the consideration of the prison doctors. A meeting of prison doctors under the aegis of the Irish Medical Organisation took place last week to consider my Department's improved offer. I have now arranged for a meeting to take place on 31 January 1997 with the Irish Medical Organisation with a view to bringing the issue to what I hope will be a mutually satisfactory conclusion.
This contract will provide a basis for improving medical services within Mountjoy Prison. It will, however, be only part of the solution and I am also in discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the complement of doctors at the prison.