Prison Visiting Committees.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004

Wednesday, 29 September 2004

Ceisteanna (970, 971)

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1153 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the appointment of a person (details supplied) in County Galway to a prison visiting committee; when the person was appointed to the committee; if he or she is still a member of the committee; when his or her membership of the committee will expire; if he has considered the person’s removal from the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22842/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The person referred to by the Deputy was originally appointed to a prison visiting committee on 6 August 1993 and has been re-appointed on three occasions since. The person's current term of appointment to the committee is due to expire in August 2005.

I am not considering the removal of the person in question from the committee at this stage.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1154 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a process in place for the removal of persons from a prison visiting committee to which they have been appointed; the details of such a process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22843/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

Members of prison visiting committees are appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform under section 2 of the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 for a period not exceeding three years. At the end of their term of appointment, their membership of the committee automatically lapses, but they may be either re-appointed for a further term or replaced by new members.