Strike action by prison doctors represented by the Irish Medical Organisation began on 4 May and is now in its tenth week. The action involves the complete withdrawal of medical officer services for prisoners and is in clear breach of Sustaining Progress. It is also contrary to the Irish Medical Council guidelines on emergency services and continuing care responsibilities in the context of a collective withdrawal of medical services.
The strike has resulted in significant, unnecessary pain and suffering to prisoners. Since the outset of the strike prison nurses and medical orderlies have assisted prisoners, however possible, in these difficult and distressing circumstances. In addition, visiting psychiatric and dental services continue to be available. Where necessary prisoners are brought to the accident and emergency units of local hospitals.
In view of the considerable suffering and risk posed to prisoners by the strike action, particularly in light of the inadequate emergency services provided by the striking doctors, a decision was made to seek the assistance of Army doctors to alleviate the worst effects in a small number of prisons. Both I and the Irish Prison Service greatly appreciate the assistance. It was sought solely to alleviate the unnecessary suffering of prisoners and not as an attempt to undermine the trade union rights of the striking doctors.
The latest industrial relations efforts to resolve the prison doctors dispute have involved contacts between the Irish Prison Service and the IMO under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. The latest contacts involved three meetings and correspondence between the parties over the past week. Last night they reached an impasse and no date has been set for a further meeting at the LRC.
My primary concern is the ever increasing risk to the health and well-being of prisoners arising from the continuing widespread absence of general practitioner services for prisoners who are among the most vulnerable of patient groups. In light of the latest impasse, I have requested the director general of the Irish Prison Service to provide a full assessment of the current situation in the dispute and to indicate what possible further industrial relations options are available to assist in bringing the strike to a conclusion.
The provision of psychiatric services to prisoners was not directly affected by the dispute. All possible steps to comply with any psychiatric intervention recommended by the courts have been maintained. Discussions with the POA at the Labour Relations Commission are ongoing. It is hoped to conclude these discussions in the near future.
