Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn MLA has called on the Health and Justice Ministers to commit to improving healthcare opportunities and specialist services.

The party’s mental health spokesperson said:

“An RQIA report into prisoners’ healthcare has found that while care is compassionate and staff are committed, there is still concern at the huge demand and underfunding in the services.

“In particular, the lack of specialist services for important conditions is deeply concerning. Those with dementia, learning disabilities, ADHD and personality disorders require person centred specialist care.

“It is vital that prisoners have access to acute mental health inpatient beds when they are needed.”

Sinéad Ennis MLA, the party’s Justice Spokesperson added:

“There have been previous reports by Criminal Justice Inspection and the Prisoner Ombudsman into the conditions and health services within the prison system.

“While some progress has been made it is worrying that similar themes continue to be raised.

This requires a robust response from both the Health Minister and the Justice Minister.

“Órlaithí Flynn MLA has submitted the RQIA review report to the Health Committee and I have submitted the same report to the Justice Committees for further consideration and scrutiny.”