Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the reason he will not expand the remit of the Ombudsman for Children to cover St. Patrick's Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37924/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The powers of the Ombudsman for Children are determined by the Ombudsman for Children Act 2002. Section 11 (1) (e) (iii) of that Act limits the power of investigation as regards actions taken in the administration of prisons and places of detention. However, if an individual detained in the Irish prison system and who is less than eighteen years of age wishes to see the Ombudsman for Children, then the authorities will facilitate access to that person.

The Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 provides for a visiting committee to be constituted for every prison in the State and one of the statutory duties of such committees is to hear any complaints which may be made to them by a prisoner. Under new legislation to be prepared, I intend to make Visiting Committees more effective while they continue their role. The arrangements for membership of the Committees will be changed and a link will be established between the Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons.

The Inspector of Prisons also makes announced and unannounced visits to all prisons including St. Patrick's Institution throughout the year. He has shown a particular interest in juvenile prisons systems and has published inspection standards for juvenile offenders in St. Patrick's as a supplement to his general inspection standards.