Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people held in isolation in each prison here in 2007; and the length of each such period of isolation. [7615/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, on occasion it is necessary to put some prisoners in a place of safety within the prison system when they prove difficult to manage in the general prison population or where authorised by a Prison Doctor for medical observation or for the prisoner's own protection if he/she has suicidal tendencies. Close Supervision and Special Observation cells are used on such occasions. These are single occupancy cells with larger windows, a door with a full-face observation window, cell light as close to natural daylight as possible, a communications system including "Cell Call System", a television where possible, in-cell sanitation and other technical improvements in the materials used to finish the walls and to improve the quality of the mattress, blankets and bed. The design of the cells, coupled with the issuing of special clothing, greatly contributes to meeting the needs and respecting the dignity and self-respect of the prisoner in a way consistent with his/her safety.

The number of placements of prisoners in such cells in 2007 is set out in the following table. However, it should be noted that the same prisoner may be placed in such a cell more than once in a year.

Strict guidelines must be adhered to before any prisoner is placed in such cells and prisoners are confined for the minimum amount of time necessary. I am advised that in less than 1% of cases, the maximum amount of time spent in such a cell exceeded three days. I am not in a position to give the Deputy more detailed information in regard to the length of every single period of isolation of every prisoner so placed.