Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 4

Written Answers. - Security of Prisoners.

Patrick McCartan

Question:

138 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Justice if he will outline the review which has been carried out of the security procedures following a successful escape by a prisoner attending the outpatients' department of St. Mary's Hospital on 5 September 1991 having regard to the attempted escape in virtually the same circumstances of a prisoner attending the Mater Hospital only four days earlier; the reason steps were not taken following the attempted escape to prevent a recurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

On 2 September 1991 an offender was escorted, in handcuffs, by two prison officers to the Mater Hospital. While in the hospital the two officers were attacked by two armed men and the prisoner was released. The officers immediately called the Garda and pursued the offender and his accomplices. With the assistance of the Garda they recaptured the offender and returned him to the prison. The Garda also arrested another man believed to be one of the accomplices. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident was immediately undertaken.

While the investigation into the Mater Hospital incident was under way a second incident occurred some three days later in which an offender who was taken under escort, in handcuffs, by two prison officers to St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, was released. In this incident the prison officers while in the hospital were also attacked by two armed men who released the prisoner. The officers immediately informed the Garda and pursued the prisoner and his accomplices but they failed to apprehend any of them. The prisoner is still at large.

While the two incidents were similar the circumstances which gave rise to the assailants having prior knowledge of the offenders' scheduled visits to the hospitals were different. Consequently the steps subsequently taken to eliminate the security breach in the Mater Hospital case would not have prevented the security breach in the St. Mary's Hospital case.

Following these two incidents all procedures governing the attendance of offenders at hospitals have been reviewed and revised procedures have been put in place to ensure, as far as practicable, that the breaches in security which occurred in both cases do not occur again. All attendances at hospitals by prisoners involve risks and discussions are ongoing with hospital authorities about arrangements which will ensure that security for prisoners attending hospitals is maintained at a high level.