Vol. 532 No. 1
307 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the guidelines used by the Prison Service and the Garda Síochána to protect public safety when a potentially violent prisoner escapes from custody; if informing the public is part of that procedure; his views on the procedure which should be followed in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6710/01]
The prison authorities inform the Garda in the area where the escape occurred immediately when such an incident occurs. In addition all relevant information in relation to the prisoner, such as a recent photograph, last known address, next of kin, name of victim, etc. is also passed to the Garda.
Each case is assessed based on its individual circumstances and an appropriate response is put in place by An Garda Síochána. It is, as I have indicated in the House before, an operational matter and as such it is for the Garda authorities to consider whether the public is considered to be at risk and what is the best strategy to pursue in returning the prisoner to custody.
