Bernard Allen
Ceist:554 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce complementary health care teams as backup for prison doctors. [8045/01]
Vol. 532 No. 4
554 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce complementary health care teams as backup for prison doctors. [8045/01]
I have no immediate plans to introduce complementary health care teams as backup for prison doctors. However, as a general principle, I hold that prisoners' health care arrangements should fully match public healthcare provision in the general community.
In November 1999, I established a group to review the structure and organisation of prisons health care services. The terms of reference of this group are: to consider and make recommendations regarding the structure and organisation of primary medical and nursing services within the prison environment in light of the development of health care services generally and the needs of the prison population; to consider and make recommendations regarding the provision of psychiatric services to prisoners – taking into account changes in service provision generally and the potential ramification of possible new mental health legislation; to consider the appropriate need and level of in-house provision of specialist medical services and make recommendations accordingly; to consider structures for the legal and professionally appropriate control of pharmaceutical products within the prison system; to consider the present organisation of prison dental services and make any appropriate recommendations; to consult with all relevant professional and representative bodies in this connection.