asked the Minister for Justice the reason Members of the Dáil are subjected to the indignity and inconvenience of visiting procedures when visiting prisoners in Portlaoise Prison while members of the Roman Catholic clergy are permitted to see prisoners in the governor's office without delay or hindrance.
Written Answers. - Prison Visiting Procedures
298.
Limerick East): I assume the Deputy is referring, in the main, to the search procedures which apply before a person is allowed into the prison.
These procedures, which have been in force for many years, apply to all persons entering the prison whether they be visitors (lay or clerical), prison staff or staff of my Department with official business to do in the prisons. For that matter they apply to me personally. The procedures are an important protection for persons entering the prison in that efforts which might otherwise be made to intimidate them into bringing contraband into the prison will be seen to be pointless.
I do not understand the Deputy's reference to members of the Roman Catholic clergy because, apart from the fact that clergymen are searched in the same way as other visitors, I am assured that no prisoner is ever interviewed in the Governor's office by anybody.