Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prisons Service.

Brian Hayes

Question:

321 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he intends to take in respect of the case of a person (details supplied) concerning the safety of the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3236/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The prisoner referred to was sentenced to two years imprisonment at the Dublin Circuit Court on 10 July 2001 for allowing a premises to be used as a brothel. On 3 October 2001 he was transferred to the Midlands Prison from Wheatfield Prison. On committal to the Midlands Prison, he was interviewed by the Governor and he stated that he had no difficulties with anyone in prison and that he had requested the transfer to the Midlands Prison. From the date of his transfer to the Midlands Prison up to 9 January 2002, the date of the alleged incident, the prisoner never made any complaint to the prison authorities about his treatment nor did he indicate that he felt under threat from any other prisoner.

On Wednesday, 9 January 2002 the prisoner was one of a number of prisoners being escorted by staff to their work areas. As the group proceeded along a passageway the prisoner concerned collapsed to the ground and appeared to lose consciousness for a short period. There was no physical evidence of any injuries and the escorting officers had not seen anything that would suggest that his collapse was as a result of a physical assault. The prisoner, when interviewed at the time, stated he did not know what had happened. As a precaution he was transferred to Portlaoise General Hospital where he was detained overnight. The matter was investigated further and no reason has been established for his sudden collapse. The prison authorities have no evidence available to them to support any claim that the prisoner concerned was assaulted and the prisoner has indicated that he is not prepared to discuss the events of 9 January 2002. The prisoner is now on protection as a precautionary measure.