asked the Minister for Justice if he will establish a prisons board as recommended by the Whitaker Commission on the penal system.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Prisons Board.
1.
The question of the establishment of a prisons board, as recommended by the Committee of Inquiry into the Penal System, is still under consideration.
Will the Minister agree that since it is now two and a half years since this committee reported on the prison system it is about time we implemented many of their recommendations, particularly those that would not cost additional money? Will the Minister further agree that the establishment of a prisons board and the appointment of a director or a chief executive of that board who would be independent of the Department of Justice would lead to a better management system in the prisons and to better staff-management relations in our prisons?
I do not agree with the first part of the Deputy's question. I have dealt very extensively in this House on 18 November last with the point she raised. With regard to the second part of the question, that is a matter that will be taken into consideration by the Government when making their decision on the contents of the report.
What does the Minister think about it? Does he agree?
At the end of the day I will be responsible for answering to this House.
Will the Minister give some indication when the deliberations of the Department will be completed? It has to be repeated that the report is a comprehensive and a very good one. It has been with the Department for upwards of two years and should be acted upon.
I do not think it would be fair to give the Deputy a particular date because that date might not be met. The Deputy can rest assured that I will do my best to have the matter dealt with as soon as possible.
Will the Minister indicate, in the event of the deliberations coming to an early conclusion, if the House will be afforded an opportunity of discussing the report and debating whatever conclusions the Department draw from it?
Having considered the contents of the report and having decided to make certain recommendations, the Government will then make a decision on the matter and at that stage there will be a full scale debate on it. If it is envisaged that legislation is then needed the Deputy will be able to partake freely in the debate on such legislation and, by way of amendment, to bring about changes if he thinks they are necessary.