asked the Minister for Justice whether the prison rules with regard to debtor prisoners are strictly observed in all the jails of Saorstát Eireann; and in particular, whether they are segregated and not associated with criminal prisoners; whether they are permitted to have their own food and visits are provided for by the rules; whether they are allowed to wear their own dress, whether, according to rule 243, they are allowed exercise in the forenoon and afternoon, and "permitted to associate together."
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prison Rules for Debtor Prisoners.
The prison rules with regard to debtor prisoners are strictly observed in all prisons. They are not associated with criminal prisoners. They are permitted one visit in each week, and are allowed to wear their own clothing, if fit for use. They are not allowed to provide their own food, but are given the same diet as that supplied to untried prisoners and offenders of the First and Second Divisions.
They are given exercise in the forenoon and afternoon of each day during such periods as the circumstances of the prison may allow, and during these periods are permitted to associate together in an orderly manner.
Arising out of that question, I would ask the Minister whether he is aware that in the Waterford jail, up to quite recently, that was not so, that the regulations were not carried out as they should have been?
I am not aware of anything of the kind.
Will the Minister look into the matter?
If I get any definite thing to go on.
Surely nothing can be more definite than this statement that I have made?
Wild statements coming from the Deputy are not sufficiently definite for me.
These statements are not wild.