Tony Gregory
Ceist:148 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself that a prisoner (details supplied) is receiving appropriate medical attention. [19972/97]
Written Answers. - Prisoner's Medical Treatment.
It is a matter of policy that prisoners are provided with comprehensive medical treatment broadly equivalent to that available to citizens covered by the public health-general medical services. Part-time medical officers are assigned to each prison and inmates have access, if required, to these doctors on a daily basis. Where it is not possible to treat an offender in the prison environment he or she may be escorted to and from a local hospital for outpatient treatment or may be transferred to hospital if a longer stay is required.
I am aware of the case referred to by the Deputy and I am satisfied that appropriate medical treatment is available to the prisoner in question. I understand, however, that the prisoner is often unwilling to accept medical advice and has consistently failed to comply with his treatment regime.