§ Mr. GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration his Department has given to the problems presented by mentally disordered prisoners in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyIn Northern Ireland prisoners who are diagnosed as suffering from mental illness or severe impairment (as defined in the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986) of a nature or degree which warrants detention in hospital for medical treatment, may be transferred to hospital for such treatment. Male prisoners who do not require hospitalisation but who need treatment for mental disorders are housed in the psychiatric unit in Belfast prison where they are assessed and treated by consultant psychiatrists and prison medical staff. A new purpose-built psychiatric unit in the male prison at Maghaberry is due to open later this year to replace the existing unit in Belfast prison. Female prisoners who need psychiatric attention are treated in Maghaberry (female) prison.