Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 4

Written Answers. - Prison Investigations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the investigation which has been held into the circumstances in which prisoners serving sentences in Castlerea Prison arising from the killing of a person (details supplied) were apparently able to have their photographs taken with a group of visitors which were subsequently published in a political newspaper; the changes which have been made in procedures arising from this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23368/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The distress caused by the taking of this photograph is very regrettable and this incident was viewed as a serious breach of prison rules. The rules for this area of the prison, which are consistent with those in place in other lower security institutions, are that cameras are not allowed into the prison except with the prior authorisation of the prison authorities. While security considerations constrain what I can say, I can confirm that the director general has concluded his investigation into this matter and that he has informed me that he is satisfied that there will be no repeat of this type of incident.