asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the number of officers on the staff of prison service at Portlaoighise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoighise Prison.
asked the Minister for Justice whether, in view of the allegations made concerning the conditions existing in Portlaoighise Prison, he will now permit any Deputy for the constituency of Leix-Offaly, accompanied by the governor, to inspect the prison; and, if not, the reasons why he will not permit such inspection.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the date of the appointment of the present governor of Portlaoighise Prison, also his qualifications and the amount of his annual salary.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will state the contents of the latest report from medical officer, Portlaoighise Prison, concerning the health of Mr. Tomás MacCurtain and Mr. Liam Rice.
I propose to answer questions Nos. 18, 19, 20 and 21 together.
The number of officers in Portlaoighise Prison is 53.
Arrangements have been made for an inspection of Portlaoighise Prison by several members of the Oireachtas, including one of the members of the Dáil representing the constituency of Leix-Offaly.
The present governor of Portlaoighise Prison was appointed to that post in September, 1987. He had 17 years previous experience as a governor. Portlaoighise ranks as a Class I prison; particulars of the salaries of governors of such prisons will be found on page 150 of Estimates for the current financial year.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the diligence, humanity and courtesy which this officer has shown throughout his service and particularly in the recent very trying circumstances.
The following are the contents of the report dated the 27th instant from the medical officer, Portlaoighise Prison, in connection with prisoners Tomás MacCurtain and Liam Rice:—
"I examined prisoner Tomás MacCurtain this morning. He was complaining of soreness of the glands of the neck. There was no evidence of any serious swelling. He was otherwise in good health.
I examined prisoner Liam Rice this morning. He complained of dyspepsia last week, and I put him on a special light diet. He is quite well again."
Can the Minister say if the reports as to the health of the prisoners to which he has referred were communicated to his Department by telephone or by letter?
Mr. Boland
Not at all. I have a report in regard to all the prisoners, particularly those who are undergoing special treatment necessitated by their own acts. In each case, the health of the prisoner is good. They have all gained weight with the exception of MacCurtain. He has lost weight very slightly but he is in good form. There was no such thing as a telephone inquiry.
Can the Minister say who was responsible for making the selection of Deputies who were to go on a proposed visit to the Prison? Was it the Minister?
Mr. Boland
That is another question but if the Deputy wishes to have the information I shall tell him. I was asked by members of the Labour Party to allow representatives from their Party visit Portlaoighise Prison. I said I should like to know who they were as I would not agree to anyone who was not a member of the Oireachtas. They submitted four names, one of them being a member for Laoighis-Offaly, and I agreed to let them go. I am responsible for the selection.