Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Absconding of Prisoner.

Michael McDowell

Ceist:

107 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice if she will give details of the circumstances of the absconding of a prisoner (details supplied) from Shelton Abbey on Monday, 16 September 1996; whether the prisoner was drinking in a local pub; whether he was accompanied by prison staff or by another prisoner; whether such pub visits were known to the management of the prison; the reason for the suspension of a prison officer in Shelton Abbey following the incident; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18452/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

At approximately 11.00 a.m. on Monday 17 September 1996 one offender was reported missing from Shelton Abbey Open Centre, Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The governor of the institution immediately reported the incident to the Garda and to my Department.

I am aware of press and other reports to the effect that the above offender along with another offender were observed in a local licensed premises on the evening of 16 September but I am unable to comment further on this matter pending the outcome of investigations into the incident which are under way at present. I am assured that there is no basis whatsoever to the suggestion that such visits by inmates to licensed premises take place with the acquiescence of the management of the institution.

I can further confirm that an officer attached to Shelton Abbey was suspended from duty on 18 September 1996 under the provisions of section 13 of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1956 pending a full investigation of matters relating to his actions on the evening of 16 September 1996. As soon as both these reports are available, I will take whatever action is required.