Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
282. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there are grievance procedures and protocols in place for families to raise matters regarding family visits which are so important in relation to cases of where a parent is in custody, particularly on a long-term basis. [32178/17]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that all visitors can raise any issue regarding visits with the supervisor of the visits area on the day they are visiting. Alternatively they can write to the Governor of the Prison outlining their complaint and issues.
In addition, the Irish Prison Service has in place a Prisoner Complaints System, which is administered by the Operations Directorate in the Irish Prison Service Headquarters and is governed by the provisions of S.I. 11 of 2013 and Rule 57 of the Prison Rules 2007.
This system provides multiple categories of complaint (A-F), category E complaints are complaints made by visitors to the prison. Complaint forms are available in all areas where the visitors have access to. On receipt of a complaint, a written acknowledgment shall be sent to the complainant which should contain the name of the prison complaints coordinator.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that its Strategic Plan 2016-2018 sets out the commitment of the Irish Prison Service to strengthen family supports to facilitate on-going contact with prisoners while in custody and their reintegration post release, with appropriate supports and programmes.
