Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2022
159. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Justice her plans to provide in-cell phones in each prison; the restrictions that will apply to their use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26581/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the project to provide in-cell telephony across the Prison Estate is complete in Castlerea, Cloverhill, Midlands, Cork and Limerick prisons. (This excludes the old female unit as the new unit is currently nearing completion).
The Prison Service is acutely aware of the importance of assisting prisoners to maintain close contact with family and friends while in custody. Both play an important and supportive role in the rehabilitation of prisoners and in their preparation for life post release and the in-cell telephony project will enhance the Prison Service’s ability to provide prisoners with a platform to support this contact.
The Prison Service anticipates the completion of in-cell telephony to the Dóchas Centre, Portlaoise and Wheatfield Prisons by the end of 2022. This is dependent on the ability of the Service to acquire the relevant equipment. Like many businesses, the IPS is dealing with supply chain issues for technological equipment at present and as a result there are delays being experienced. Subject to the availability of necessary resources, the Prison Service intend to provide in-cell telephony in Arbour Hill and Mountjoy Male prison in 2023.
It is important to note that the same restrictions and oversight will apply to in-cell telephony as apply to the existing prisoner telephone system. Calls will be limited to certain pre-approved numbers, call duration, the monitoring and recording of calls will be in line with the current process.
