Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 1996

Vol. 463 No. 3

Written Answers. - Photographing of Prisoners.

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

280 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice whether prisoners on remand at a prison (details supplied) are being photographed before trial; if so, whether these photographs are being sent to a commercial agency for developing; if so, the name of this agency; and the cost of this practice. [6011/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

Remand prisoners are not photographed prior to trial except on foot of a formal request signed by a member of the Garda of the rank of inspector or above. I am informed that these requests arise only in a very small percentage of cases and that all films are developed within the prison.