Vol. 473 No. 6
42 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, she intends to take in order to minimise or eliminate contact between prison officers and dangerous prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2140/97]
219 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the steps, if any, she intends to take with a view to minimising or eliminating contact between prison officers and dangerous prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2396/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 219 together.
The vast majority of persons in custody comply with prison discipline and do not behave in a manner threatening to prison staff. Attacks by prisoners on prison staff are, thankfully, rare in the Irish prison system. A very small minority of prisoners do constitute a danger to staff.
Prison governors and senior managers in my Department are urgently reviewing all aspects of violent prisoner management at this time. The Prison Officers Association has also met on a number of occasions in the past few weeks with Department officials in the matter to convey their concerns and suggestions. Dialogue is continuing in this respect with the POA.
I am not in a position to anticipate the changes that may be recommended to me about the future management of violent prisoners. I can, however, assure the Deputy and this House that very prompt, careful consideration will be given by me to the recommendations put forward in this respect.
