Pádraic McCormack
Question:72 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the current situation with regard to health services for prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15442/04]
View answerWednesday, 26 May 2004
Questions (62)
Written answers
The provision of health services for prisoners is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I am informed by the Minister that health care services for prisoners involve a combination of primary and secondary care services. A primary health care service is provided in the prisons by prison doctors, nurse officers, medical orderlies and visiting medical personnel. Prisoners requiring secondary care are transferred to general hospitals for treatment. In-patient psychiatric care for prisoners with mental health problems is provided at the Central Mental Hospital in so far as accommodation there allows.
I am further informed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that prison doctors, who are members of the Irish Medical Organisation, have been engaging in industrial action in pursuit of a pay claim since 4 May 2004. This action has involved the complete withdrawal of doctor services to prisoners, apart from circumstances where there is a real and immediate risk to human life. I am advised by the Minister that the Irish Prison Service has publicly stated that this level of emergency cover has proved inadequate and that the service has had no option but to seek the assistance of Army doctors to attend prisoners in a limited number of Dublin prisons who are in need of urgent medical intervention.
The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has informed me that he is concerned that normal health care services be restored for prisoners at the earliest possible time. He welcomes the offer of the Irish Prison Service to move immediately to third party arbitration and be bound by whatever recommendation emerges. He would urge both parties to take up this option in the interest of minimising potential risk to the health and well being of this most vulnerable group.