Prison Investigations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (651)

Patrick Costello

Question:

651. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice the status of a review into the Irish Prison Service (details supplied) which has been ongoing since 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36160/20]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As the Deputy is aware, the Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow employees to bring alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the appropriate authorities. The Act also affords very important protections to persons making protected disclosures.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate therefore that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on nor confirm the existence of any specific protected disclosure. The protection of those wishing to make a protected disclosure rightly prioritises the confidentiality of the process, which is central to the efficacy of that process. However, I can assure the Deputy that my officials are in ongoing communication with the named person.