Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
52. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the funding allocated to the prison service for mental health supports for both staff and the prison population; for an update on the prison service’s initiative to capture information on mental health and addiction of individuals within prison services; if initiatives for increased care will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18009/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the HSE / National Forensic Mental Health Service provides in-reach psychiatric services to the Irish Prison Service. This direct service includes dedicated Clinical Forensic Consultants, Community Forensic Mental Health Nurses, Social Workers and administrative staff. In 2022, the cost associated with this service was €1.9 million and I am informed that the costs will be of a similar order in 2023.
Under Budget 2022, the Prison Service was allocated €850,000 specifically to improve mental health services in prisons, including by increasing psychologist resources across the prison estate.
The role organisations like the Red Cross and Merchants Quay Ireland have within our prisons should also be noted.
Merchants Quay are engaged by the Prison Service to provide a prison-based addiction counselling service while the Red Cross works with prisoners through a range of programmes including in relation to in community based health and first aid, peer support and conflict resolution.
The Prison Service also proactively works with stakeholders to research and improve mental health services for those in custody.
They are members of the HSE Group tasked with the implementation of the Department of Health Policy ‘Sharing the Vision’.
In addition, the Prison Service was a key stakeholder in the High Level Mental Health Task force which was formed to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who interact with the criminal justice system.
The Irish Prison Service also recognises the challenging role performed by staff and acknowledges the potential impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing. In this regard, a number of supports are available to staff including -
• the Employee Assistance Programme;
• a Critical Incident Stress Management model of interventions;
• confidential counselling provided 24/7/365 through Inspire Workplaces; and
• a free wellbeing & mental health support text service for staff funded by the HSE.
The IPS has also developed a mental-health awareness training programme which is delivered to all staff and is now developing a standard mental health awareness programme for all those in custody, to be delivered as part of the Red Cross programme in all prisons later this year.
Further to this, all people in custody in closed prison have access to the Samaritans Listening Scheme.
In addition, the Prison Service was the first employer to enrol for the Amber Flag initiative with Pieta House and initiatives to promote positive mental health are being co-ordinated by voluntary committees across the country’s prisons.
