Kathleen Lynch
Question:181 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for reform of the prison visiting committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12772/03]
Written Answers. - Prison Visiting Committees.
A visiting committee is appointed to each prison under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 and Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order 1925.
They perform a valuable service and I thank them for their voluntary efforts and hard work. In the context of the consolidation and modernisation of the prison rules which is at present under way, the rules governing visiting committees will be revised and updated. This revision will take into account the functions of the inspector of prisons and places of detention who was appointed in April 2002.
In making new appointments to these committees I have been careful to ensure that appointees come from the county in which the institution is located or an adjoining county. I am also examining what other measures can be taken to reduce the overall cost of visiting committees.
Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 145.