Prisoner waited 43 days for mental care, finds report

AN inmate in need of psychological care was forced to wait 43 days for a bed in the Central Mental Hospital, a prison visiting committee report revealed yesterday.

Committee members visiting Arbour Hill, Dublin, reported their concern over the delay in treatment and said it was unacceptable that a prisoner who has been deemed in need of psychiatric care should be unable to access a bed for such a prolonged period.

The prison was praised, however, for its continued drug-free status, its quality catering work and the fact that 85% of inmates were involved in secondary and third-level education.