Minister of State Mr Noel Ahern has rejected criticisms from the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, who has said that Mr Ahern's suggestion for a needle exchange programme in prisons was contrary to Government policy.
Last week Mr Ahern suggested that a needle exchange programme should be introduced in prisons to prevent against the spread of infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis.
However, on Monday the Minister for Justice made clear his opposition to the proposal, and said his Department had no intention of introducing such a scheme. A statement issued by his Department also said the end of all drug use in prisons was a stated policy in the Programme for Government.
"In these circumstances, there can be no question of any acceptance of any use of drugs in prisons, and all office holders in Government are bound by that cornerstone of Government policy."
His Department also signalled its intention to introduce mandatory drug testing in prisons. It is expected that prisoners who refuse to provide a urine sample would face sanctions under new legislation being drafted by his Department.
However, yesterday Mr Ahern told The Irish Times that he believed that a needle exchange programme would not conflict with Government policy as such programmes are envisaged under the National Drugs Strategy.
The strategy provides that the same types and level of drug treatment services be provided to addicts within the prison system as are available in the general community, Mr Ahern said.
While services "aren't perfect" in the community, they do provide for needle exchange programmes, he said. He acknowledged the safety and legal difficulties a programme could create, but believed that it "will have to be looked at" in the future.
Yesterday the Governor of Mountjoy, Mr John Lonergan, said he was "against the principle" of needle exchange programmes as he believed they would facilitate drug abuse, including the use of "very impure heroin".
The Irish Penal Reform Trust's executive director, Mr Rick Lines, supported Mr Ahern and accused Mr McDowell of being irresponsible and "out of touch" with international best practice and guidelines from the World Health Organisation.