Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Prison Accommodation.

Michael Creed

Question:

326 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence from solicitors acting in respect of a person (details supplied) accommodated in the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin 14; and the plans, if any, he has to facilitate the request for a transfer to more suitable facilities. [20320/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I wish to inform the Deputy that the correspondence received from the solicitors acting in respect of the person referred to by the Deputy was replied to on 30 September 1998. A reply to similar correspondence was sent to the Deputy on the same date.

I have noted the various concerns in respect of the detention of the person referred to by the Deputy in the Central Mental Hospital including the request for a transfer to alternative accommodation nearer his home. However, in the absence of alternative facilities incorporating both security and therapeutic aspects, I am not in a position to authorise any such transfer for this person. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that the Central Mental Hospital is providing both the secure environment and psychiatric care appropriate to this person's particular needs.

The provision of alternative therapeutic programmes located nearer one's home is primarily a matter for the health agencies, not the criminal justice agencies. In this regard, there have been ongoing discussions with the Department of Health and Children and the relevant health agencies concerning both the provision of general psychiatric services to offenders and the absence of alternative facilities, programmes, etc. I understand this particular issue has been identified as a matter of legislative need which may be addressed in pending mental health and separate insanity legislation.