Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Limerick Prison Incident.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

458 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to a recent incident in Limerick Prison where a prisoner suffering self-inflicted wounds was refused hospital treatment and handcuffed by a senior prison officer; if her attention has further been drawn to the concerns expressed by the Prison Officers Association; the disciplinary measures, if any, that are to be taken; if she will agree that this incident, taken in conjunction with the recent report by the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture indicates a worrying pattern of behaviour on the part of a very small minority of prison officers; the plans, if any, she has to examine the establishment of an independent prisons board as suggested in the Programme, A Government of Renewal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1470/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I can confirm that a prisoner from Limerick Prison was treated in hospital on 3 January 1996 for self-inflicted wounds, having first been treated by a medical orderly in the prison. Inquiries are currently being made into the circumstances of the incident and the subsequent transfer to hospital. The Governor of Limerick Prison has been asked for a detailed report on the matter which will be forwarded to me as soon as it is completed.

I am aware of the Prison Officers' Association's interest in the incident. However, pending receipt of the Governor's report, I am not in a position to determine whether there has been any breach of discipline in this case. If there has been such a breach the Deputy can be assured that the full system to deal with breaches of discipline will be utilised.

The establishment of a prisons' board is among a number of issues being examined at present in accordance with the commitment contained at Par. 119 of the Programme for Government, published in December 1994. The outcome of this examination will be brought before the Government for consideration in due course.