Vol. 518 No. 5
191 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the availability of services for the diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among the prison population; if he has commissioned any research on this condition among offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12271/00]
A full range of medical services is provided to all prisoners by one or more part-time doctors in each prison. In addition, psychiatric services are provided when required. My Department is in the process of finalising a service with the Eastern Regional Health Authority to improve the organisation and level of psychiatric input in prisons in the Dublin area. We would envisage extending this arrangement, where feasible, with other health providers.
The provision of specific specialist services for conditions such as ADD-ADHD is reviewed in the context of similar services being available in the general community and the relative need for such services for prisoners.
I have commissioned a survey of the health status of prisoners which is being undertaken by the department of health promotion at NUI, Galway. I understand that this study will give some indication of the prevalence of ADD-ADHD in the prison population as well as a variety of other health related issues involving prisoners. When the results are available I would hope to publish them without undue delay.
