Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:900. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when the prison chaplain reports for 2021 will be published; the reason for the delay with this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55605/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 November 2022
Questions (900)
Written answers
The professional Chaplaincy Service work as part of the prison multi-disciplinary team reporting to the Governor. Chaplains have a crucial supporting role in prison life by providing pastoral and spiritual care to the entire prison community and seeks to meet the needs of prisoners of all denominations and none.
Each Chaplain is required under Rule 119(1) of the Prison Rules to submit a report to the Director General and to the Governor on matters relating to the provision of chaplaincy services in the preceding year.
I can advise the Deputy that it is normal practice that the chaplaincy reports are published together once all are finalised.
I am also advised by the Prison Service that arrangements are being made to publish the full suite of Chaplains' reports for 2021 on the Irish Prison Service website, www.irishprisons.ie, in the fourth quarter of 2022.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I am regularly briefed by officials on a range of matters relating to the operation of the Prison Service and the chaplaincy reports will contribute to the ongoing engagement on prisons matters.
Question No. 901 answered with Question No. 899.