Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy of my interest in this issue. I represent the constituency of Laois-Offaly and I live in Portlaoise so I am very aware of the existence of two major prisons within that town. I am keen to ensure the Office of the Inspector of Prisons is adequately resourced in order to allow her to perform her duties in respect of current inspections of prisons. It must be borne in mind that the Office of the Inspector of Prisons is a statutory body, provided for under the Prisons Act 2007, which is independent of me both in the recommendations it makes and in the manner in which it organises its work within the allocated resources. The Inspector of Prisons is charged with carrying out regular inspections of prisons. In terms of resources, five staff members are currently assigned to that office and the current budget is just under €500,000. I assure the Deputy and the House that my Department continues to support the Inspector of Prisons in the performance of her functions. I have met her recently and my officials meet her on an ongoing basis. I acknowledge the receipt of a recent submission which will form the basis of my activities in the context of my relationship with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the forthcoming budget.

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