Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I agree with the intention that full assistance would be given. However, there has historically been a serious problem with the numeracy and literacy of a significant number of prisoners. In that context, perhaps those staff involved in education in the prison might be able to assist in this area. While I do not want the Minister to be prescriptive on this issue, it is important that those involved in education in the Prison Service would address this issue and that part of the curriculum would deal with it. Staff within the prisons, who would not be seen as administrators, such as chaplains, might usefully become involved.

One issue raised on Committee Stage was the question of the oversight of this process within the prison system. While I accept totally the integrity and professionalism of prison officers and governors, there should be another presence, although not one who is in control or in a position where he or she could be placed in physical or other danger. There should be a verification process and a signing off of the process so that it is as the legislation states. In that context, perhaps an official of a local authority could be placed within the system, although not in a position of physical danger, so that there would be an independent verification of the process in the interests of transparency. I do not doubt the integrity of the process but wish to avoid criticism or other issues.

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