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Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Questions (374, 375)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

374. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places currently available for men and women offenders respectively, in tabular form; and if she is satisfied that the number of such places available is sufficient having regard to the need to address the numbers of offenders committed to prison upon conviction for short sentences in respect of minor addiction-related offence. [7258/22]

View answer

Ivana Bacik

Question:

375. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the number of secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places currently available for offenders in each province of Ireland and in Dublin in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7259/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.

I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service does not provide or administer any secure residential addiction treatment and rehabilitation places for offenders within the state.

However, prior to the onset of the pandemic, the Prison Service previously operated a National Drug Treatment Programme, which was located within the Medical Unit of Mountjoy Prison. The Programme was temporarily suspended on foot of the pandemic.

There were nine places available on this programme and any prisoner who wished to detoxify and address issues with addiction could seek admission to the programme. Prisoners who were accepted on to the programme were transferred to Mountjoy Prison and accommodated in the Medical Unit for the duration of their treatment.

This was an eight week programme that allowed prisoners to complete a methadone detoxification and subsequently engage in structured group work interventions which were provided by Coolmine, Ballymun Youth Action Project, Ana Liffey Drug Project and Merchants Quay Ireland.

The programme included daily group work and educational and fitness activities were also provided. Prisoners were also seen by an addiction counsellor for a weekly session. It is intended that this programme will recommence as soon as can be arranged.

In addition, the Prison Service continues to provide a healthcare service to prisoners with addictions on a structured, safe and professional basis in line with international best practice and seeks to construct a range of programmes, support services and through-care options for prisoners demonstrating a commitment to addressing substance misuse issues.

In line with the National Drug Strategy, the Irish Prison Service has an agreed protocol with the HSE for the seamless transition of prisoners engaging in drug treatment while in custody to community drug treatment settings.

Question No. 375 answered with Question No. 374.
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