Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue the Deputy has raised of making sure that contraband does not get into prisons is one of high priority. We have to make continuous improvements in this area. It is an international problem. People are often surprised that it is an issue but it is one that is shared internationally. A number of initiatives have been taken. The Deputy has probably heard Michael Donlon, the director of the Prison Service, speak recently about some new initiatives he has put in place. For example, the introduction of the new free confidential telephone line has been good as prisoners, visitors, staff or members can be intimidated. Visitors can be intimidated into bringing in drugs. We are hoping, and it has begun to happen, that members of the public with information on the trafficking of prohibited items will make that known.

There is an increasing number of passive and active dogs which are operational in all prisons. There are five active dog teams in operation. That initiative has been strengthened in recent times. There are also initiatives around the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, enhanced CCTV monitoring, stricter control of visits and the use of target and random cell searches so there is a lot of work to be done. There has also been the installation of airport style security including scanners and x-ray machines which has helped efforts to tackle the problem. Random searches of cells and their occupants unfortunately still uncover significant quantities of contraband. The Prison Service recognises that it is an area where constant improvements are required.