Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 December 2004
128 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) has been appointed or re-appointed to a prison visiting committee; and if political representations were made on their behalf. [32632/04]
View answerMembers of prison visiting committees are appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for a term not exceeding three years. At that point they are automatically removed from the committee and are either re-appointed for a further term or are replaced by new members.
The person referred to by the Deputy was initially appointed to the visiting committee at Arbour Hill Prison on 20 September 1999. He was subsequently re-appointed to the committee with effect from 20 September 2002. Appointments to the visiting committees are made by me on foot of representations, usually either by individuals nominating themselves or from local representatives nominating a constituent. I can confirm that representations by an elected representative were received regarding nominating this person for appointment.
It is my policy to appoint all new members of prison visiting committees to a prison in their home county or a neighbouring county. This has resulted in significant savings for the Irish Prison Service.
