Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding his plans to reform the prison visiting committees; and the way in which new members will be appointed to same. [6533/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I have previously stated my intention to strengthen the independent oversight of our prisons. Under new legislation to be prepared, I intend to make Visiting Committees more effective while they continue their role of visiting prisons, meeting with prisoners, and liaising on their behalf with prison authorities. 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. As part of these plans, it is intended to expand the Inspector of Prison's role which I believe will greatly enhance his independent oversight of the prison system.

Under these proposed new arrangements, Visiting Committees will report regularly to the Inspector of Prisons on issues they may wish to bring to his attention. Any urgent or major issue may be reported to the Inspector at any time. Each Visiting Committee will comprise no more than six members, and only suitable people with appropriate qualifications and a genuine interest in prison issues will be appointed.

The current role of the Inspector of Prisons and the Prison Visiting Committees are set out in statute. My proposals for change will therefore require amending legislation and I will be bringing forward Heads of a Bill for Government approval in due course.

In the meantime I am presently in the process of making appointments to Visiting Committees and within the last few days have written to the people concerned informing them of their appointment.