Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

In 2002, the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Donoghue, established the Office of Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention on a non-statutory basis. In 2005, I examined the possibility of providing a statutory basis for the office by means of a statutory instrument, namely, to provide for the office in the prison rules which are at an advanced stage of preparation and are on the Department's website. However, after consultation with the Attorney General, I came to the conclusion that there should be provision for such an office in primary legislation.

In July this year, the Government approved my proposal to establish an Office of Inspector of Prisons on a statutory basis. I will introduce an appropriate statutory provision by means of an amendment to the Prisons Bill 2005, which is before the Seanad at present. I hope that the Bill, as amended, will be enacted before Christmas of this year so the statutory office can be established in 2007.

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