asked the Minister for Justice if solitary confinement is part of the penal code; and, if so, if he will state the longest period for which a person was held in solitary confinement since the foundation of the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Solitary Confinement
55.
The only statutory references to confinement of a solitary nature are those relating to punishment described as "close confinement" which may be awarded to prisoners for breaches of prison discipline. The relevant provisions are contained in the Rules for the Government of Prisons, 1947 (S.R. & O. No. 320 of 1947) and the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order, 1925.
The maximum period of close confinement which may be awarded by a prison governor is three days but where the charge of indiscipline has been dealt with by a prison visiting committee the period can extend to 14 days. If the act of indiscipline has been of a very serious nature and has been the subject of an enquiry ordered by the Minister for Justice a period of close confinement not exceeding 28 days can be awarded.
Under the rules a person in close confinement is required to stay in his cell except for a period of one hour of daily exercise and such other periods as the medical officer may advise— and for periods of attendance at Divine Service, a weekly bath and matters of that kind. During close confinement a prisoner is not deprived of the privileges of smoking, reading or sending and receiving letters.
Records for the years prior to 1944 are not available but since 1944 the longest period of close confinement ordered was 14 days.