EIRE: PORTLAOISE - PRISONERS HEALTH ISSUE RAISED
The Celtic League have raised concerns about health issues relating to a prisoner currently held at Portlaoise Prison in Ireland. The issue concerns 'equivalence of care' as set out under International law:
"Governor Mr. Ned Whelan Portlaoise Prison Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Tel:0502 21318 Fax:0502 20997 Email: info@... 10/10/08
Dear Governor Ned Whelan
Medical condition of Aiden Hulme
Two years ago the Celtic League wrote a letter to the then Irish Minister of Justice and the Home Office, Mr. Michael McDowell, urging him to seek the transfer of prisoner Aiden Hulme, who was being held at the time at Belmarsh prison in England.
One of the reasons we cited for his transfer was that we had reason to believe that Mr Hulme was not receiving the proper medical attention at Belmarsh prison, he needed for an injury to his leg. We were therefore grateful that Mr Hulme was eventually transferred to Portlaoise Prison in Ireland, where we believed he would receive more appropriate treatment and that his recovery would be more thorough.
We are now however concerned by reports that Mr Hulme's medical condition at Portlaoise Prison has deteriorated and that he is confined to a bed around the clock. We have been informed that a visiting doctor has recommended that Mr Hulme sees a medical consultant immediately and this request has not yet been carried out by the prison authorities, even though we are aware it has been prioritised. We understand that Mr Hulme is on a heavy dose of tablets and pain killers and that this is also possibly affecting his wellbeing and health.
We strongly request that a consultant be allowed to visit Mr Hulme immediately, for him to receive any surgery needed and to prevent his condition from worsening further, as is his right under Irish and international law.
We look forward to hearing about the action taken to ameliorate Mr Hulme's medical condition.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary Celtic League
cc Dermot Ahern, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Purcell, Director General, Irish Prison Service"
Footnote for information;
The CPT Standards set by the Council of Europe and which Ireland is a signatory to make it clear that 'equivalence of care' is an important issue in relation to the health care of prison inmates. The relevant document can be found at:
See - Section III Health Care in Prisons - paras. 30-32
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
11/10/08
■