Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 269: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of dangerous weapons seized in prison in each of the past three years and in each prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40723/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested is set out in the following table. For the purpose of this question a dangerous weapon has been taken to mean any implement that could inflict harm on another person. In many instances these were "home-made" improvised weapons fashioned from materials such as Perspex, broken crockery, toothbrushes and razor blades.

The rise in the number of weapons seized in 2007 can be attributed to:

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; and

the use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult to examine areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities.

The roll out of enhanced security measures has made it more difficult for prisoners to secrete improvised weapons. Furthermore, prisoners identified as exerting undue influence or pressure over other prisoners receive close and continued attention and targeted searching from the now Operational Support Group units.

I can advise the Deputy that local intelligence indicates that there has been a considerable reduction in the number of improvised weapons now in the possession of prisoners.