Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 September 2013
11. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce more robust legislation to help reform the prison visiting committee system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39766/13]
View answerVisiting Committee members are appointed for a period of three years by the Minister for Justice and Equality under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 and Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order 1925. There are fourteen Prison Visiting Committees in existence - one for each institution.
I previously announced plans to strengthen the independent oversight of our prisons. As I said then, the Government has approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, which will include provisions to make Visiting Committees more effective, while they continue their role of visiting prisons, meeting with prisoners, and liaising on their behalf with prison authorities.
A link will be established between the Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons. As part of these plans, it is intended to expand the role of the Inspector of Prisons which I believe will greatly enhance the Inspector's independent oversight of the prison system. Under the proposed new arrangements, it is my intention that Visiting Committees will report regularly to the Inspector of Prisons. In addition, Visiting Committees will be able to report any urgent or major matter to the Inspector at any time. They will continue their role of visiting prisons. They will also continue to meet with prisoners and liaise on their behalf with prison authorities. I believe this will make them more effective and improve the independent oversight of our prisons.
Subject to competing legislative priorities, it is expected that the General Scheme will be published early next year. When work on preparation of the General Scheme has been completed, I will be seeking Government approval for its publication to facilitate a consultation process in advance of drafting and publication of the Bill.
