Vol. 413 No. 5
132 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice whether he intends to introduce a code of minimum standards, applicable to the entire prisoner population, and a statute governing the rights, authority and duties of prison staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is already a wide range of statutory provisions relating to the operation of the prisons as well as guidelines which are issued to staff from time to time. In particular, I would refer the Deputy to the Rules for the Government of Prisons, 1947 which include rules relating to the treatment of prisoners and the duties of prison staff.
The administration of prisons here is also guided by the European Prison Rules appended to Recommendation No. R (87) 3 to member states of the Council of Europe as adopted by the Committee of Ministers. These rules set out basic principles for the humane and equitable treatment of prisoners and the duties of prison staff and management in this regard.
The maintenance of appropriate standards in the administration of prisons together with the relevant statutory provisions are kept under continuous review.
