Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
460. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the review of care of the case of a person (details supplied) in Wheatfield Prison, Dublin, will be completed in November; and if a copy of this report will be made available to the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45791/12]
View answer468. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if all appropriate medical, psychological and psychiatric assessments will be provided to a person (details supplied) in Wheatfield Prison and if all appropriate care will be given to them [45792/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 468 together.
The Irish Prison Service provides general healthcare services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to those available in a community primary care setting and which are appropriate to a custodial environment. Prisoners are referred to external specialist services as clinically indicated by the prison doctor and referrals are on the same basis as for citizens in the general community covered by the GMS (Medical Card) Scheme. Having consulted with the Irish Prison Service and clinical personnel in Wheatfield Prison, I have been assured that the person referred to is receiving the appropriate medical care which his condition warrants. Medical confidentiality is a time honoured principle of professional healthcare ethics and accordingly I am not at liberty to divulge information relating to a person's medical records.
