Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the term of office of the current Inspector of Prisons will expire; if it is intended to reappoint Mr. Dermot Kinlen to this position; when the position will be put on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30610/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen was appointed on a non-statutory basis as Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention for a five-year term with effect from his retirement from the High Court Bench in April, 2002 on reaching the statutory age limit for service in that Court. His term of office will therefore expire in April, 2007.

I have received Government approval to establish an Office of Inspector of Prisons on a statutory basis. I will be introducing an appropriate statutory provision by means of an amendment to the Prisons Bill 2005 in the near future. I would hope that the Bill, as amended, will be enacted before Christmas of this year so that the statutory office can be established in 2007.

I have made no final decision as to the appointment of a person to the new statutory office.