Prison Visiting Committees.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2004

Tuesday, 5 October 2004

Ceisteanna (321)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

440 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it has ever occurred that a member of a prison visiting committee has been removed from their position before their period on such committee has expired; the legislative provisions under which such removals can take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23579/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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.

The information requested by the Deputy as to whether a member of a visiting committee has ever been removed would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to research and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources. However, I am not aware of any visiting committee member being removed, without their consent, before their period of appointment has expired, in recent years. The removal of any visiting committee member would involve legal consultation with the Office of the Attorney General as each such case would depend on its individual circumstances.