Ben Briscoe
Ceist:41 Mr. Briscoe asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to introduce measures with a view to controlling the illegal drugs problem in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7. [13769/95]
Written Answers. - Drugs in Prisons.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:43 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the progress, if any, on the introduction of drug-free units in our prison system; the likely method of operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13734/95]
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:110 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to introduce the methadone maintenance programme into prisons; if so, when the initiative will be introduced. [13705/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 43 and 110 together.
My commitment to tackling the problem of illegal drugs in the prisons is a matter of record in this House and elsewhere. I have already taken action on several fronts and further measures — some of which are in themselves of a radical and innovative nature — are at an advanced stage of planning.
I want to begin by stressing that suggestions that the problem of illegal drugs in the prisons can be solved overnight by measures such as an energetic security clampdown or the provision of methadone maintenance, which I will refer to later, are simply not credible. The problem is much more complex than that.
Recent action which I have personally approved in respect of Mountjoy prison includes the opening last June, of a special search room in the prison and the upgrading of the closed circuit video monitoring equipment for the supervision of visits. In prisons other than Mountjoy special new measures are also being taken to tackle the drugs problem. For instance in Cork prison, the special netting which has been erected over the main exercise yard has closed off the main route for smuggling drugs into that prison.
The importance of education in tackling this problem cannot be overstated. The comprehensive drugs education programme for prisoners, which is currently in place, is widely recognised as being of the very highest standard. Indeed the specially commissioned video which is a cornerstone of the programme has recently won an international short film award.
As I outlined in my reply to a Dáil Question on 8 June last, I am examining proposals for the treatment of drug addicts in prison which include: the establishment of a secure drug free unit; the provision of methadone maintenance for those prisoners assessed as suitable for same.
As part of the drugs package approved by Government in July, I will be reporting back to Government on my proposals shortly. I have appointed a high level project team in my Department to oversee the planning of these measures.