Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I do not want to get into too much detail on how the inspector is to carry out his or her functions. The Bill as devised states that the inspector is obliged to carry out regular inspections of prisons. Under section 31(2), the inspector is authorised to investigate any matter arising out of the management or operation of a prison and to submit to the Minister a report on such investigations.

It would not help to put the inspector into an administrative straitjacket as to what and how regularly he or she should carry out those functions. The current inspector does a good job and chose a good cycle of inspections. The powers and statutory framework within which the current inspector carries out his functions are adequate.

Amendment No. 31 tabled by Deputy Ó Snodaigh proposes that a person can raise any matter of concern in the course of an inspection or arising from an inspection. I will accept this amendment.

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