Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
129. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the action she will take to ensure the safety of prison officers who are now being videoed by some members of the public using mobile telephones while on prisoner escort duties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21751/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that escorts of prisoners, primarily to court and hospital appointments, undertaken by prison officers are by their nature conducted in the view of the general public.
It is not considered that the recording of staff conducting such escort duties poses any new or undue threat to any prison officer.
Staff safety is a priority for the Irish Prison Service and in this regard they have recently acted upon a State Claims Agency recommendation to standardise escort practices across the prison estate. This standard provides all staff with the requisite safety equipment and requires specific risk assessments for any escorts deemed to be in the category High Risk.
