asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider the appointment of a female doctor to Mountjoy women's prison.

(Limerick East): Currently, there are two part-time medical officers at Mountjoy Prison and they provide medical services for both male and female prisoners there. They also provide medical services for the staff and their families. I am satisfied that an additional medical officer for Mountjoy could not be justified in present circumstances. In the event of a vacancy for a medical officer arising I would, of course, consider appointing any doctor — male or female — who might show an interest in the post.

In the light of the situation in which a request to this effect has been communicated to the Minister by representatives of the prisoners in the women's prison, would the Minister not consider it appropriate that the request be acceded to? Is it not a reasonable request?

(Limerick East): There are two part-time medical officers in Mountjoy. They provide services for both male and female prisoners. A male medical officer attends Limerick Prison on a part-time basis where there are both male and female prisoners.