asked the Minister for Justice whether there are any provisions in existing Prison Regulations which permit prison officials to discriminate in the treatment of criminals, and of those who may be considered political prisoners; and, if not, whether he is prepared to alter the regulations in order that such discrimination may be exercised in the future.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - DISCRIMINATION IN TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.
The Rules for the government of prisons do not provide for such discrimination and I do not propose to make any such provision. Adults sentenced to terms of imprisonment are divided into three classes: (1) Offenders of the First Division; (2) Offenders of the Second Division, and (3) Offenders of the Third Division. Except in the case of persons convicted of sedition or seditious libel (who must be placed in the First Division) the classification in each case is a matter for the court which imposes the sentence. Unless the court otherwise directs a prisoner is placed in the Third Division. The prison authorities have no power to transfer a prisoner from one division to another.