494. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the total number of individuals in the prison population living with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; the supports that they are provided with by the prison service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9127/25]

495. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice if there is an adequate level of understanding of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in respect of the prison psychological service, and throughout wider staff within the Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9128/25]

Jim O'Callaghan, Minister for Justice: I propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 495 together.

The Irish Prison Service have advised that the Service recognises fully the various and complex clinical needs of people who are committed to custody. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) results when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body. Psychologists receive training during their qualification route in the assessment and diagnosis of a range of presentations relating to neurodiversity, including FASD. Additional specialist training for Irish Prison Service Psychologists is provided, as required, and service-wide training is currently being planned for various clinicians in 2025.

Whilst no prevalence data exists in relation to the number of people in custody in Ireland with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is recognised as a spectrum and a life long neuro-developmental condition which prison clinicians assess as they would in the community. Where concern arises regarding an individual’s history and presentation in relation to FASD, the IPS Psychology Service completes an assessment as appropriate and makes recommendations to the multidisciplinary team on their case management in order to support the person in custody.

Neurodiversity training is also provided to all new Recruit Prison Officers as a mandatory module of their training, which aims to increase awareness of neurological disorders, to understand the specific needs associated with such disorders, and to understand the necessity for a different approach when working with neurodiversity. It has been shown that this training helps prison officers to refer people in custody for further assessment and to provide additional support for people who present with neurodiversity.

Question No. 495 answered with Question No. 494.