Press Release   

18 November 2004

GREENS BACK CALL FOR PRISON NEEDLE EXCHANGE

The Green Party has called on the Minister for Justice to introduce a prison needle exchange programme.

The Call comes as the Irish Penal Reform Trust launches a report today: “Prison Needle Exchange: Lessons from a Comprehensive Review of International Evidence and Experience.” (www.iprt.ie)

Ciarán Cuffe TD, The Green Party’s Justice Spokesperson stated: “The Report shows that a properly managed needle exchange programme can reduce health risks to both inmates and staff. We are calling on the Minister for Justice to introduce a needle exchange system in Irish Prisons.

“This Report is based on a trans-national study and clearly shows the advantages of an exchange programme. Implementing such a programme can reduce the potential for HIV exchange through sharing needles. We call on Mr. McDowell to at least introduce a pilot system in Ireland.

Previously Mr. McDowell has refused to consider implementing a needle exchange system in Irish Systems.

ENDS