Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016
46. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the name of the body which inspects the hospital areas within the prison system; if she is satisfied that the standards meet with those expected, such as HIQA standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29828/16]
View answerI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that audits of prison healthcare were conducted by external consultants up to August 2014. On foot of the recommendations of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture following its visit of September 2014, the Irish Prison Service has been engaged with the Department of Health in relation to a fundamental review of healthcare in prisons and the provision of healthcare services in prisons generally. Discussions have taken place with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) regarding the possibility of it conducting a review of Healthcare service delivery in prisons. HIQA has indicated that it is not currently in a position to conduct such a review.
