Dáil debates

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Other Questions

Irish Prison Service

2:10 pm

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is no provision for solitary confinement in the Irish Prison Service. However, the Deputy will appreciate that, on occasion, it is necessary for vulnerable prisoners and others to be separated from the general prison population. The restriction of a prisoner's regime can occur due to a number of factors including, the protection of vulnerable prisoners. This is provided for under rule 63 of the Prison Rules 2007. A prisoner may, either at his or her own request or when the Governor considers it necessary, in so far as is practicable and subject to the maintenance and good order and safe and secure custody, be kept separate from other prisoners who are reasonably likely to cause significant harm to him or her.

In addition, the Governor may decide, for the maintenance of good order in the prison, to remove a prisoner from general association or structured activity to reduce the negative effect that a prisoner or prisoners may have on the general population. This is provided for under rule 62 of the Prison Rules 2007. There may also be a smaller number of prisoners who would be restricted for medical, rule 64 or discipline reasons, rule 67. The fact that prisoners seeking protection are immediately separated from the general population or from specific prisoners identified as presenting a threat, clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Irish Prison Service to ensure their safety and security.

The status of each prisoner on restricted regime within the prison system is regularly reviewed and, if possible, prisoners can be transferred to other institutions where a restricted regime would not be necessary. The Director General of the Irish Prison Service has established a high level group to consider measures which could be introduced to reduce the number of prisoners currently held on restricted regimes, with a view to ensuring that all prisoners receive, as a minimum standard, out-of-cell time of three hours per day to engage in exercise or activity.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.