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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prison Visiting Committees.

Willie Penrose

Question:

60 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria he uses in making appointments to prison visiting committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24312/99]

The members of the prisons visiting committees are appointed, usually for a three year period, by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform as vacancies arise. Persons wishing to serve on a visiting committee may apply in writing to me at any time or they may be nominated by another person. However, no person can become a member of a visiting committee if they are in receipt of a salary paid out of the central fund other than as a member of Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann.

There are no specific criteria used in selecting individuals for appointment. The composition of each committee is drawn from as wide a spectrum as possible to ensure that the needs of prisoners are understood and met. This is the long standing practice used by successive Ministers in appointing members to the prisons visiting committees.

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