Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Penal Reform: Prison Officers Association

9:00 am

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I have a final set of questions. In Mr. Clinton's opening address he indicated that last Thursday, the day before St. Patrick's Day, there were 3,793 people in custody. Within that figure, 235 were in open centres. Has the witness any idea of the number of the remaining prisoners who could be in open centres? Has any such analysis been done? I presume an analysis has been done in the first instance or there would not be 235 people in open centres. Could there be another 235 put in these settings or what is the issue? Do we not have sufficient capacity within open centre settings? Will Mr. Clinton elaborate a little on that? On a number of levels and even speaking earlier with the Jesuit centre's representative, it seems to be a more affordable means of addressing the denial of one's liberty. I am anxious to know what further information can be given in that regard.

There is the issue of establishing drug-free areas within prison settings. I take from Mr. Clinton's statement that it is not in situnow but it is an aspiration, hope and ambition. He has indicated it has the support of all stakeholders but where is the problem if I am right in my understanding they are not in situ? If all stakeholders are supportive, what further steps might be necessary to see the establishment of drug-free areas within prison settings?