Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 June 2018
161. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of category A complaints received in 2017 and to date in 2018 that were upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated or incomplete, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28511/18]
View answerI am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of category A complaints received in 2017 and to date in 2018 that were upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated or incomplete is contained in the tables attached
All prisoners have the right to make a complaint at any time and all complaints are treated with the utmost seriousness. Complaints can vary in nature. Some may relate to, for example, conditions of accommodation, quality of food or access to services. Other complaints can be more serious such as allegations of assault, mistreatment or intimidation.
Under the Irish Prison Service Complaints System there are 6 categories of complaints depending on the seriousness of the complaint. The most serious being Category A Complaints which are investigated by persons outside the Prison Service.
Category A complaints are complaints alleging assault or use of excessive force against a prisoner, or ill treatment, racial abuse, discrimination, intimidation, threats or any other conduct against a prisoner of a nature and gravity likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service.
Table A
|
No. of Cat A complaints received |
Investigation Completed |
Ongoing |
Unfounded |
Withdrawn |
Re- categorised |
|
|
2017 |
70 |
61 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
1 |
|
2018 (1.1.18 to 26.6.18) |
41 |
12 |
22 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
Table B
|
Investigation Completed |
Upheld |
Not Upheld |
Not Proved |
Part Upheld |
|
|
2017 |
61 |
6 |
53 |
0 |
2 |
|
2018 (1.1.18 to 26.6.18) |
12 |
1 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
