Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to make the Inspector of Prisons accountable to the Oireachtas; and his plans to put the Inspector’s standards on a statutory footing and introduce a binding mechanism for the implementation of recommendations [5993/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Inspector of Prisons has been established on a statutory basis since 2007 by virtue of Part 5 of the Prisons Act, 2007 and is independent in the performance of his functions. I believe it is an important role ensuring an effective independent oversight of our prison system which has my full support in carrying out its remit.

As Minister, I am obliged to publish all of the Inspector's reports and it is my intention to continue doing this with all reports presented to me. While I have no plans to put the Inspector's Standards on a statutory footing or to introduce a binding mechanism for the implementation of recommendations, I can assure the Deputy that I receive regular updates on the implementation of the Inspector's recommendations, and I expect them to be acted upon and implemented to the fullest extent possible.

I have also previously stated my intention to strengthen the independent oversight of our prisons. Under new legislation being 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.