Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which he will publish new legislation covering prison visiting committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37926/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On 17 May last, the Government approved my proposals for preparation of the General Scheme of a Bill which will include provisions concerning the future role, composition and reporting arrangements of Prison Visiting Committees. These provisions are aimed at maximising the effectiveness and efficiency of the committees.

The proposed legislation will also provide a statutory framework to enable ratification of the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) and put the current arrangements for periodic visits to the State by the Council of Europe Committee on the Prevention of Torture (CPT) on a statutory footing. The UN protocol provides for a system of inspections of places of detention at both UN and national level.

When work on preparation of the General Scheme is completed, I will be seeking Government approval for its publication to facilitate a consultation process in advance of drafting and publication of the Bill.