Prisoner support access
Deputy Ward raises prison community link services and says workers are excluded from approved call and visitor lists. The Taoiseach says he assumes this is for public health reasons, will check it, and asks for a note if needed.
Page 97 of the programme for Government commits to establishing a high-level cross-departmental and cross-agency taskforce to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned and primary care supports on their release. The community prison links service was put in place to assist prisoners who have additional support needs for addiction and dual diagnosis when exiting prison. This service helps prisoners to assimilate and helps reduce reoffending.
At present community prison link workers are not on the approved professional telephone call and visitor lists. This means prisoners have to choose between a professional visit and a family visit. Is the Taoiseach aware of this situation? Will the Taoiseach commit to measures that will rectify this?
