Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 24:

In page 12, subsection (3), line 21, to delete "may" and substitute "shall".

Sections 12 and 13 deal with inquiries into the conduct of prisoners and sanctions that can be imposed on them if they are found to have breached prison rules. Amendments Nos. 24, 27, 29 and 31 are essentially of a technical nature. Amendment No. 24 allows for procedures for an inquiry to be listed somewhere other than in prison rules. Amendment No. 27 replaces subsection (1)(e), which is virtually incomprehensible as drafted. I have attempted to re-word it to convey the meaning that was originally intended. I note the Minister has decided to delete the paragraph in amendment No. 28 but this is not necessary. It is an important provision that prevents governors from financially penalising prisoners to an extent they might be unable to meet. The Minister had the right idea with the original provision in which he limits the sanction to money earned by the prisoners in prison.

Amendment No. 29 clarifies that the governor may not confiscate money under section 13(1)(g). Amendment No. 30 is a stylistic amendment. Amendment No. 31 leaves it up to the governor of a prison to decide what constitutes an exceptionally meritorious act and, therefore, prevents any potential challenge to a court seeking recognition for such an act.