Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
141. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners who sought drug counselling services to date in 2019; the percentage who were given access to those services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44150/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Prison Service has informed me that there are a range of programmes, support services and through-care options for prisoners who wish to address their substance misuse. I am further informed that the Irish Prison Service engages Merchants Quay Ireland to provide a prison-based addiction counselling service. This include structured assessments and evidence-based counselling interventions, with clearly-defined treatment plans and goals.
The counselling service provides a range of counselling and intervention skills related to substance misuse and dependency. These skills include motivational interviewing, motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and harm reduction approaches.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the number of prisoners that have sought drug counselling services to date in 2019 is 1,570.
I am further informed that the percentage of prisoners that were given access to those services to date is 86%. The remaining 14% are on a waiting list for a consultation with a Merchants Quay Ireland counsellor.
