Michael McDowell
Ceist:46 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice the initiatives, if any, she has directed and implemented in Mountjoy Prison to deal with drug abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18942/95]
Written Answers. - Mountjoy (Dublin) Drug Abuse.
I wish to begin by reiterating my personal commitment to dealing effectively with the drug abuse problem in our prisons. It would be disingenuous to suggest that — on their own — security related measures, no matter how rigorous, aimed solely at detecting the smuggling in, and abuse of, drugs within the prisons would provide an effective solution to the problem. It is widely accepted that in the area of substance abuse, an effective programme of education along with aftercare and support for those affected are both essential components of any overall strategy aimed at combating the problem.
Having regard to this, I have implemented a number of measures in Mountjoy and other prisons. These include, in respect of Mountjoy Prison, the adaptation of the existing visiting arrangements, an improvement in the procedures for searching and the upgrading of video surveillance equipment at the prison. I have, in addition, decided to expand and improve the visiting facilities at the prison. All of these measures will greatly assist staff in intercepting illegal drugs and associated contraband and I am glad to be able to inform the House that the measures already in place since mid-summer have had a marked effect with an overall increase in the order of 100 per cent in the number of seizures of contraband. Arising from these seizures a number of visitors suspected of being involved in passing drugs to prisoners have been arrested and I understand that charges are pending in these cases. A great deal of credit is due to the staff concerned for their efforts in this area and I am sure Deputies will join me in complimenting them on their efforts in this regard.
There is also in place, in all the institutions since last year, a comprehensive integrated education programme aimed at discouraging drug abuse and educating prisoners as to the risks posed both to themselves and their families by the activity. The programme is based on a multi-disciplinary approach utilising the most modern educational aids available including the specially commissioned award winning video "HIV and Aids — The Facts".
I am aware also that to be effective, treatment for addicts in prison or in the community must include a therapeutic element in order to equip them with the mechanism to avoid becoming reinvolved with drug abuse in the future.
With this in mind, I have already announced a range of measures which will, when fully implemented, meet this need. These measures include the creation of a treatment facility in Mountjoy Prison. This facility will provide prisoners who are suffering from acute drug addiction problems and who show the necessary commitment, with an opportunity to avail of a humane detoxification programme on a par with what is available in the community. The delivery of methadone maintenance programmes for those prisoners assessed as medically suitable for them, will also be provided in this facility which is likely to be located at the health care unit in Mountjoy Prison.
I have also approved the opening of a drug-free facility in the Mountjoy Prison complex. Prisoners with a background of drug addiction, including those who successfully complete the detoxification programme, and who show the necessary commitment will be able to benefit from a sympathetic yet closely monitored regime where a specially designed and structured therapy programme will play a key role in their long-term recovery. This facility will also enable the prison authorities to accommodate those prisoners who do not have a background of drug abuse in a totally drug free and secure environment within the prison system.
I am sure the House will agree that the measures which I have outlined represent a comprehensive and realistic response to the problem of drugs and drug abuse in the prisons — which, it should be remembered, is unfortunately a direct reflection of what is happening in the community as a whole.