Vol. 506 No. 2
82 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that all prison doctors receive training in methadone maintenance within a standardised approach adopted across all prisons in view of the serious deficiencies in the prison medical service and his Department's drug action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13965/99]
I am fully supportive of all doctors being adequately trained in relation to the medical use of methadone. Apart from their general training, a number of prison doctors have undertaken such additional training. I am continually seeking to improve the medical services available to offenders. The recruitment of nurses for the various prisons is currently under way on a phased basis. Officials from my Department are involved in ongoing discussions with the EHB with a view to co-ordinating the provision of various drug treatment services.
With a view to tackling drug abuse in a comprehensive way, I have recently approved a draft action plan on drug misuse and drug treatment in the prison system. The plan builds on a medical policy which has been agreed between my Department and the EHB. The action plan provides a detailed strategy to raise the level of treatment for drug addicted offenders. This includes the expansion of detoxification facilities, more drug free areas and the provision of methadone maintenance where this is considered medically appropriate.
