Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer to the first question is that it relates to superannuation contributions. Several issues have come into the public domain in several prisons in recent months. There are several mechanisms through which there can be investigations either through An Garda Síochána or the Prison Service. We have the Inspector of Prisons as well. This year as part of the budget the Inspector of Prisons has received a significant increase.

She is also hiring at least six staff, which will allow the Inspector of Prisons to investigate a number of current situations and allegations that have been made. It is hard for me to comment on anything in particular that is under way at present. It is important to point out that there are various mechanisms. In An Garda Síochána it occurs when there is a death in custody, and the Irish Prison Service has its oversight mechanism. There is also the Comptroller and Auditor General which audits the prisons annually. A report which was published last September outlines the work that was done in that regard. There was also the issue regarding catering that was raised earlier this year. That is being examined and I anticipate we will have a report on that some time in the near future.