Jonathan O'Brien
Question:299. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of family visits requested in 2016; and the number of such visits refused in 2016. [32286/17]
View answerTuesday, 11 July 2017
Questions (299)
Written answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the number of family visits for 2016 was in excess of 130,000 visits.
There are two types of panel for each prisoner, namely a standard panel which predominantly features family and friends and a professional panel which features legal personnel and any other person providing a service. All persons entering a prison must be on a prisoner's visitor panel which are nominated by the prisoner only.
The level of regime a prisoner enjoys will determine the number of visits they are entitled to per week. Prisoners can also avail of special visits outside their normal visits entitlement on approval from the Governor of the prison. These are normally approved for compassionate reasons, for example, in the event of a family bereavement or personal issue. There are occasions where these requests for special visits may be refused. However, these are not centrally recorded.
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 ongoing contact with prisoners while in custody and their reintegration post release, with appropriate supports and programmes.