Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 35: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he has taken following the most recent report of the EU Committee for the Prevention of Torture which documented high levels of violence in prisons here and the need for ongoing external reviews on the specific subject of prison violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14145/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Report of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), on its visit to Ireland was published on 10 October 2007, together with the response of the Government of Ireland to the issues raised by the CPT in that report.

In its response to the issues raised, the Government set out in considerable detail the efforts made to deal with the range of issues highlighted in the report.

In the Government's response to the CPT report on the question of inter-prisoner violence it was accepted that the CPT had correctly identified an emerging problem and that further measures are needed to deal with the issue. I am glad to advise the Deputy that a range of measures have been taken to address the prison related issues, including violence in prisons, that were highlighted in the report and I can assure the Deputy that the security and safety of our prisons is kept under constant review.

A wide range of security measures are currently in place aimed at reducing the supply of contraband, including drugs and weapons, into our prisons. These measures include:

Tighter control and monitoring of prisoner visits in all closed prisons;

New visiting arrangements in most closed prisons, with visitors required to be pre-approved by the Governor and required to provide identification on each visit;

Greater use of screened visits;

Greater vigilance in examining mail by prison censors and searching of other items entering the prison;

Increased random searching of cells and their occupants;

Stricter searching of all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence;

Use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities;

Installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs; and

Use of phone detectors and phased installation of telephone blocking technology.

In addition, a number of new security initiatives are being introduced in all closed prisons including:

The introduction of enhanced security screening for all persons (visitors and staff) entering our prisons;

The establishment of a drug detection dog service within the Irish Prison Service involving approximately 30 handling teams;

The establishment of Operational Support Units dedicated to and developing expertise in searching and gathering intelligence; they will be available in addition to the normal prison staff and can target specific security problem areas.

A number of serious drug and criminal gang members are now segregated in a special area of Cloverhill Prison. This initiative, in conjunction with the other measures, will prevent them from exerting inappropriate influence over other prisoners.

As indicated in the CPT report , the Government recognises the necessity to modernise and expand the prison estate. That is why my Department has embarked on an ambitious prison building programme which, with the full support of the Government, will result in the replacement and/or refurbishment of nearly 40% of the entire prison estate and the ending of 'slopping out'.