Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2019
113. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will report on the completion and publication of the Inspector of Prisons report into allegations of covert surveillance of staff at Portlaoise Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7538/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I have asked the Inspector of Prisons, Patricia Gilheaney, to carry out an investigation into allegations of surveillance and other wrongdoing in prisons, to determine as far as possible the facts and report back to me by the end of February or as soon as possible thereafter. This investigation is a statutory investigation under section 31 of the Prisons Act 2007. The provisions regarding publication of such reports are outlined in Section 31. The report of the Inspector of Prisons, when finalised, will provide a basis for consideration of what further steps may need to be taken.
