I propose to take Questions Nos. 347 and 348 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
Dochas Category A Complaints
|
Total
Complaints
|
Not sustained due to no reasonable grounds
|
Not possible to make a determination
|
Outside the scope for investigation
|
Vexatious
|
Without foundation
|
2018
|
5
|
1
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2019
|
8
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
2020
|
8
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2021
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
I understand that a final decision will be made on two outstanding complaints from 2018 in the near future.
Two complaints from 2019 are still under investigation, as the onset of the COVID pandemic prevented Complaint Investigators from entering the prisons.
I am also informed that the complaint for 2021 is still undergoing an investigation process.
The Deputy may wish to be aware that work is continuing on the completion of the necessary actions to introduce the new Prisoner Complaints System. This includes the drafting of the Statutory Instrument and the roll out of necessary training for Irish Prison Service staff. While there is currently no mechanism in place to appeal an outcome of a complaint, this facility will be available for prisoners in the new complaints process.