Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
525. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the health situation of a person (details supplied) currently imprisoned at the Dóchas Centre, Mountjoy Prison is being monitored on a daily basis. [9265/14]
View answer526. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if the health of a person (details supplied) currently imprisoned at the Dóchas Centre, Mountjoy Prison has been independently assessed. [9266/14]
View answer527. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is concerned that the conditions under which a person (details supplied) is being held at Mountjoy Prison could further contribute to any health complications. [9267/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 525 to 527, inclusive, together.
I have been informed by the Irish Prison Service that the prisoner referred to has access to the full range of services in prison, including all medical services. She was medically assessed on her committal to prison, and was seen by the Prison Doctor the next day. She has access to a 24 hour nursing service in prison, and daily access to a doctor if requested, or on referral by the nursing staff. In the event of an emergency arising she will be transferred immediately to acute hospital care services.
I can confirm that the prisoner referred to is having ongoing medical treatment for a serious illness and is also accessing hospital consultant services in the community. She is currently awaiting a review appointment with specialist services and any hospital appointment she may have scheduled will be facilitated by prison management. The prisoner concerned does have some age related mobility issues, and uses a walking stick.
The prisoner concerned has not been independently assessed but she has received all clinical interventions deemed necessary. If a doctor, or other healthcare professional, operating in the prison environment determines that a prisoner requires treatment in an external setting following a clinical assessment, an appropriate referral will be made.
I am quite satisfied that the care needs of the prisoner concerned are been managed appropriately by the Irish Prison Service.
