Vol. 519 No. 3
211 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if long sentence prisoners are treated in public wards in hospitals here; the steps being taken to protect other patients, especially where the prisoner concerned is in prison for violent crime. [13890/00]
Generally prisoners are treated in a private room in hospitals. Public wards are used only if a private room is not available or if specialised treatment or equipment is required e.g. intensive care. In such cases prisoners are moved to a private room as soon as one becomes available.
The safety of the public and hospital staff is of the utmost concern at all times. Local prison management liaise with the hospital authorities with regard to the security of individual prisoners and the views of the hospital authorities are always taken into account. Up to three prison officers can be detailed to remain with a prisoner for the duration of his hospitalisation if deemed necessary.
