Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister accept that the screening arrangements relating to visits are insufficient to counter the passing of illegal substances — namely, drugs — between visitors and prisoners? Will he consider introducing, in respect of certain visits, physical screens between prisoners and visitors? Having regard to the seriousness of this problem, perhaps consideration could be given to ensuring that prisoners dress in a form of clothing that does not contain pockets, pouches or other areas in which drugs may be secreted. It is entirely unsatisfactory that prisoners engaged in detoxification are not segregated from those who are freely taking drugs. This is part of the problem. There is an entire drugs underworld in our prisons that is not being dealt with in an adequate manner.

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