I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 43 together.
I can advise the Deputy that my Department is currently in communication with the Department of Health in relation to a fundamental review of healthcare in prisons and the provision of healthcare services in prisons generally.
The Irish Prison Service has also advised that discussions have taken place with the Health Information and Quality Authority regarding the possibility of it conducting a review of healthcare service delivery in prisons. However, the Health Information and Quality Authority has indicated that it is not in a position to conduct such a review at this time.
The prison healthcare service seeks to provide prisoners with access to the same range and quality of healthcare services as that available under the Medical Card scheme in the community. In recent years, the Irish Prison Service has experienced difficulties in recruiting nurses and doctors to work in prisons. However a recent competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service has resulted in fifteen nurse appointments to date.