Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to increase the number of child-friendly visiting areas in prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54465/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that many prisons including Limerick, Wheatfield, Dóchas, St. Patrick's Institution, the Training Unit, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey have designated areas to facilitate family visits for family occasions such as confirmations or communions. In addition temporary release (depending on security concerns) for access/visits to children for family occasions is regularly approved in most prisons. I can further inform the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service is currently setting up a working group to consider a report recently published by the Irish Penal Reform Trust which contains a number of recommendations in relation to contact between prisoners and their families including family visits.