Seán Barrett
Ceist:110 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice whether, within the terms of reference of the newly appointed medical director of the prison service, there is complete independence afforded to him in the exercise of his duties.
Written Answers. - Independence of Medical Director.
As a registered medical practioner, the director of prison medical services is bound by the ethical guidelines promulgated by the Medical Council. There can be no question, therefore, of any interference in the director's application of these guidelines. The director is, moreover, free to put forward whatever proposals he deems appropriate for the improvement of prison medical services, though, of course, in this as in all other areas of the public service, there may be constraints arising from the need to operate within the limits of available public resources.