Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister who, unfortunately, cannot be present, I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.

The Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, with the assistance of Professor Andrew Coyle, carried out an assessment of the current culture within the Irish Prison Service and the extent to which it facilitated or hindered the development of the service. The inspector officially presented his report to the Minister Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, on Tuesday, 3 November. On her behalf, I take the opportunity to once again thank the inspector and Professor Coyle for all of their hard work in bringing the report to fruition.

This is the first time that an Inspector of Prisons who is independent of the Government has embarked on this type of review of the prevailing culture in the Irish Prison Service. The Minister welcomes the report which focuses on two key issues: the structure of the Irish Prison Service and the training and development of personnel. It contains many recommendations and seeks to provide a roadmap for the future. It will make a positive contribution to the reforms already under way in the Irish Prison Service.

As the inspector said at the time of announcing the review, there have been positive developments in recent years. Much has been done to address the many issues which have adversely affected the prison system for decades. For example, slopping out is being eliminated; modernisation of the accommodation wings in Mountjoy Prison is now complete; the new Cork Prison will be ready for occupation early in the new year; a significant redevelopment project for Limerick Prison is planned; we are well on our way to fulfilling the commitment in the current programme for Government to end the practice of sending children to St Patrick's Institution; and we are examining options to improve the detention and rehabilitative systems for female offenders. However, the Minister believes more can be done if we build on the investment already made by the Government, management and staff of the Irish Prison Service at all levels.

While highlighting challenges, it is welcome that the report also acknowledges the many positive aspects of the service, including the dedication of its staff. It also expresses concerns about the gang culture in prisons. Earlier this week the Minister joined the Garda Commissioner as she launched Operation Thor, a new anti-burglary and anti-crime strategy. It includes a new, targeted approach to disrupting criminal gangs, an effort backed by investment by the Government in both overtime and new high powered vehicles. As the Minister said on Tuesday at the launch of the report, she believes there should no place for gangs operating in the community and no place for a gang culture in prisons. She has asked the director general of the Irish Prison Service to provide her with a comprehensive response to the report's concerns about a gang culture in prisons.

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