asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to a recent document on prison conditions in Europe; if he intends to take steps to have its provisions implemented in Ireland; if not, why; and, if so, when.
Written Answers. - Prison Conditions.
177.
I assume the Deputy is referring to a resolution embodying what are called Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in January, 1973. These rules are not binding on the Member States but, as stated in the rules, they set out what is generally accepted as being good principle and practice in the treatment of prisoners and the management of institutions.
I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that, in general, the treatment of prisoners in this country is in full accord with the principles embodied in the rules and in some respects is more favourable than is specified in the rules.
We are not yet in a position to give full effect to a few of the rules but the work currently in hands on accommodation and methods of treatment will enable us progressively to do so.