Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
910. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of category B, C, D and E complaints made by prisoners in 2019 and to date in 2020; the details of the outcomes upheld, not upheld, not proven, terminated, incomplete or withdrawn; the length of time it took to complete and communicate the outcomes of complaints to prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14826/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA prisoner complaints system was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in November 2012, based on a model recommended by the then-Inspector of Prisons, the late Judge Michael Reilly. The current Irish Prison Service Complaints Policy is available on the website www.irishprisons.ie.
As set out in more detail in that policy, all prisoners have the right to make a complaint at any time and all complaints are treated with the utmost seriousness. The current system categorises complaints according to their nature and seriousness, ranging from the most serious 'Category A' through to a 'Category F' complaint.
- The most serious "Category A" complaints are those alleging assault or use of excessive force against a prisoner, or ill treatment, racial abuse, discrimination, intimidation, threats or any other conduct against a prisoner of a nature and gravity likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service. I understand that Category A complaints are independently investigated by persons outside the Prison Service.
- Category B complaints are serious level complaints, which may include verbal abuse, inappropriate searches or any conduct against a prisoner of a nature likely to bring discredit on the Irish Prison Service.
- Category C may include complaints about visits, phone calls, reception issues.
- Category D complaints can be made against professionals which include medical personnel and solicitors.
- Category E can be made by visitors to the prison.
Further information on this system, including these categories, is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service at the following link: https://www.irishprisons.ie/prisoner-services/prisoner-complaints/
In response to this question and further to the Deputy's previous parliamentary Question No. 318 for reply on 30 June 2020, the following table, furnished to me by the Irish Prison Service, sets out the number of category B, C, D and E complaints received in 2019 and to date in 2020.
|
Complaints received |
Category B |
Category C |
Category D |
Category E |
Total |
|
2019 |
149 |
678 |
137 |
12 |
976 |
|
2020 (as of May 2020) |
55 |
243 |
40 |
2 |
340 |
The following table, furnished to me by the Irish Prison Service, sets out the further details requested by the Deputy, namely the details of the outcome of complaints. I am informed that 'other' refers to vexatious complaints.
|
2019 |
2020 |
|
|
Upheld/Partially upheld |
137 |
51 |
|
Not upheld |
550 |
167 |
|
Withdrawn |
19 |
10 |
|
Incomplete |
35 |
31 |
|
Resolved |
197 |
74 |
|
Not investigated |
25 |
2 |
|
Other |
13 |
5 |
I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that prisons have reported that the average length of time to complete and communicate outcomes in these categories of complaints is between two and six weeks.
Finally and set out in more detail in my reply to parliamentary Question No. 314 of 30 June 2020, I have been advised that the introduction and implementation of a new Prison Service Complaints Policy is a priority for the Irish Prison Service. I understand that work is well advanced in this regard and that the Irish Prison expects to introduce the new prisoner complaints system before the end of 2020.
