asked the Minister for Justice if any investigation was made into the conditions in prisons which gave rise to the disturbances in Mountjoy and Portlaoise at the end of 1969; what the findings were; what steps have been taken since to avoid a repetition of this type of trouble; and what improved forms of employment geared towards rehabilitation have been introduced since.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prison Disturbances.
73.
From a departmental investigation made at the time, I am aware of all the facts surrounding the disturbances referred to by the Deputy. I do not accept the implication that they derived in any way from prison conditions or from the forms of employment provided for prisoners.
The three prisoners involved in the incidents in Mountjoy prison were convicted in court and were given sentences but the charges arising out of the incidents in Portlaoise are still sub judice.
As I explained when introducing the Prisons Bill earlier this year, the provision of suitable employment for prisoners is one of special difficulty. The kinds of employment provided for prisoners are, however, kept under constant review.
Over the past 12 months, for example, prisoners have been engaged to an increasing extent in maintenance, renovation, construction and decoration work. As well as that we have been successful in obtaining a variety of subcontracts from outside. All these activities provide training in employment disciplines and the prisoners acquire skills and experience which are helpful towards their employment on release.
I assure the Deputy that all possible steps are taken to find employment for prisoners on discharge but, in situations where a certain amount of unemployment exists, it is not easy to place persons on release from prison, particularly in cases were, by lack of education or skills, no openings exist for them.
Is the Minister aware that all Departments of State are willing to employ people regardless of whether they have a prison record or not?
A number of people are employed by Departments of State.
That is not what I asked. Is the Minister aware that all the Departments of State are willing to employ these people?
Is the Deputy asking me are they all willing?
Exactly.
I cannot say that I know specifically that they are all willing but some appear to be willing.
Arising out of the last question, I wonder is Deputy Desmond trying to get at the Minister for Justice at that time. His private secretary, Deputy Richie Ryan——
We cannot go back to another question.
This is completely out of order.
Deputy Dowling is the biggest adolescent in the House.