Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 495: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken in respect of the report on prisoners abroad (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11933/08]

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 496: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had the opportunity to consider the recommendations of the Overseas Prisoners Report as published in 2007; if he has plans for actions in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12174/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 496 together.

The publication of the Report on Irish Prisoners Abroad by Mr Chris Flood in August 2007 provided a welcome opportunity to review the needs of Irish citizens imprisoned overseas and the range of services we provide to these people. I believe that the Report's forward–looking approach provides a very helpful template for future Government action in this area.

In his report, Mr Flood acknowledged the good support system offered over many years to Irish prisoners by my Department and made a number of recommendations on how this service could be further improved.

While my Department already provides a number of the services recommended in the Report, I have asked my officials to examine how others might best be progressed. I am pleased to report that we are currently examining tender documents in respect of a Prisoner Case Management System - one of the key recommendations contained in the Report. This system will include a register with detailed information for each prisoner such as sentence, health status, last visit by a consular official. Once operational, this comprehensive database will enable my Department to assess the most effective way to implement the remaining recommendations. The Government also continues to fund the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas in recognition of the frontline service they provide to Irish prisoners and their families. In 2007, my Department provided €217,637 in funding to this organisation.