Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
446. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if it can be ensured that a person (details supplied) receives appropriate medical and mental health treatment as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13841/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by officials in the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that all persons committed to prison undergo a comprehensive medical assessment on committal, including a mental health assessment. Urgent healthcare needs are triaged and responded to immediately by the Prison Healthcare Team. Where clinically indicated, referrals to an in-reach Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist or IPS Psychologist are made without delay.
The multidisciplinary teams providing mental healthcare in prisons include General Practitioners, Nurses, Psychologists and Healthcare Assistants, with additional support from Occupational Therapy and Chaplaincy Services.
In-reach psychiatric services are provided by the HSE’s National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS), which delivers weekly forensic psychiatric sessions in all prisons except Limerick Prison and Loughan House, where interim arrangements are in place. Decisions regarding admission to the Central Mental Hospital or other Approved Centres rest solely with the NFMHS and HSE, and the Irish Prison Service facilitates transfers as soon as a bed becomes available.
The Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for the IPS was published in May 2023. It was the first comprehensive health assessment undertaken for the prison service. The HNA 1st Annual Progress Report was published in October 2024 and outlines the progress in implementing recommendations from May 2023 to June 2024.
The High Level Task Force (HLTF) on Mental Health and Addiction published their final report in September 2022. The report outlined 61 recommendations to enhance the treatment available to those with mental health and addiction difficulties within the criminal justice system. The Second Annual Progress Report of the HLTF was published in July 2025 covering September 2023 – September 2024. Work remains ongoing to monitor and further progress the recommendations of the HLTF.
In relation to the person concerned in the Deputy's query, I am advised that where a family member has concerns about a person in custody, they may contact info@irishprisons.ie. Such correspondence is reviewed promptly and directed to appropriate personnel.
The IPS has recently published information for families and friends on how they can share relevant healthcare concerns with prison healthcare teams. This resource is available on the IPS website and is intended to support families who wish to provide information that may assist clinical staff.
