Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
692 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a prisoner (details supplied) in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, has refused visits recently; the number of visits the prisoner has refused; if the prisoner is still in the medical unit of the prison; and the length of time the prisoner will remain there. [27002/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the person referred to has declined 5 visits booked by family members between the dates of 20 April, 2012 to 4 June, 2012. He is currently accommodated in the High Support Unit part of the Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison and is under the care of the medical professionals attached to that area. The length of time that he will remain there will be guided by any future recommendation made by the medical team and the Governor.
The Governor and the Complex Nurse Officer in Mountjoy Prison have both indicated that they are willing to discuss this man's case with his family if they wish.
693 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties entailed in trying to contact Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, to arrange visits by telephone; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that persons are being left on hold for lengthy periods before being cut off; if he will intervene to ensure that staff in Mountjoy answer telephone queries efficiently and in a manner that allows family members and friends of prisoners to arrange visits without undue delay. [27003/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the phone lines referred to are manned every day, during the hours 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., with the exception of Sundays. The staff detailed on this work arrange for close to 1,000 booked family visits each week in addition to a considerable number of professional visits.
The Deputy will appreciate that there is a significant demand on available resources at this time which are further constrained by the security needs in a prison setting. This issue has nevertheless been highlighted with the Governor who has given an undertaking to prioritise resources in this area where possible.
