Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
555. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if she will introduce a code of ethics for prison staff in line with the Council of Europe recommendation CM/Rec (2012) 5; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27256/22]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service introduced a new Code of Ethics for staff in December 2021.
The new Code sets out the values and behaviours which are expected of and demonstrated by prison staff across the Service on a daily basis. The Code is grounded on the Prison Service core values namely:
Teamwork;
Integrity;
Unlocking potential;
Safety, and
Support.
The document sets out clear guidance for staff on how they should work together, with prisoners and their families, and with other stakeholders to create a healthy and professional prison environment.
The Code has been written to reflect international and Irish law, best international practice and the ethical responsibilities of professionals in other comparable contexts within the State. This includes having regard to the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec (2015) 5. The Prison Service has also engaged with other Prison Services' who have also introduced a Codes of Ethics in recent years.
The Code applies to all Prison Service staff, who are also subject to the provisions set out in the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. In addition, Doctors, Psychologists and Healthcare staff employed by the Service are governed by both this Code and their own professional Codes of Ethics which must be read and reconciled in the context of any situation in which they are confronted. All service providers or volunteers working in or visiting our prisons are also expected to abide by the Code.
Included in the Code is a new Ethical Decision Making Model for staff to support them when faced with challenging situations.
The Code has been made available to all prison staff via the Prison Service Intranet and ethics forms part of the Recruit Prison Officer Training programme.
