Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 55:

In page 23, between lines 32 and 33 to insert the following subsection:

"(2) Where immediately before the commencement of this section a person held office as Inspector of Prisons, he or she shall become and be the first Inspector of Prisons pursuant to this section upon such commencement.".

The purpose of this amendment is to provide continuity with the existing holder of the office, Mr. Justice Kinlen. We welcome the fact that the section puts the office of Inspector of Prisons on a statutory basis and confirms the independence of his or her functions. Obviously the present incumbent of that office has been independent. That is confirmed by the fact that he feels free to criticise the Minister, which is only right and is an indication that he is showing his independence and doing his job correctly. That is an omission in the section as it stands as it does not make clear there is that element of continuity.