I am aware of differing prison visiting arrangements in other jurisdictions, some of which are more restrictive and some of which are less restrictive than those operating in Ireland. I am satisfied that the existing regime in this jurisdiction does not conflict with the current recommendations of the Council of Europe as set out in the recommendations on the European prison rules.
Visits are a fundamental part of helping prisoners to maintain family bonds and relationships during their time in custody. However, it must also be recognised that there are necessary restraints that must exist in relation to the length of time and contact allowed during prison visits. Unfortunately, experience has shown that efforts are made on a daily basis to pass contraband such as drugs to inmates during visits. Some unscrupulous individuals have even used young children in an attempt to pass drugs. I am not going to revise prison visiting arrangements in a manner which would worsen this problem.