Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied). [38047/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the management of Portlaoise Prison are aware of the issues raised by the prisoner in question. The prisoner referred to made a complaint to Portlaoise Prison management regarding the lack of wheelchair access to the C block visiting area. Following the complaint, wheelchair accessible ramps were installed outside the entrance to the visiting area and alterations were made in the main open visiting area on the ground floor to allow one wheelchair user access to the visiting box counter. I am informed that this work was inspected by the Irish Wheelchair Association who were satisfied with the level of access provided.

A complaint was also made that his father was refused entry to the visiting area while accompanying his mother. I am informed that this was for security reasons. In such instances visitors are given the option of having a screened visit or rescheduling their visit. The screened visiting boxes in Portlaoise Prison are located on the first floor of the visiting area and there is no lift available. However, at all such times the alternative option of rescheduling the visit remained. When resources allow, the provision of wheelchair access to the screened visits area in the C block of Portlaoise Prison will be examined by the Irish Prison Service. In the interim, the visiting area in the A block may be used should a similar situation arise in the future as the screened visiting area in this area is on the ground floor.

A further complaint was made in July 2012 that his mother requested to use toilet facilities in the visiting area but found that the door was locked and she could not gain access. The reason for the unavailability of these facilities was explained to the prisoner at the time. These toilet facilities are not generally open to visitors as management became aware that they were being used for the retrieval of contraband that had been concealed internally. However, a procedure has been put in place to ensure that access to this toilet facility is permitted on request to the Assistant Chief Officer in charge of visits who has possession of the key.