Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the existing functions and powers of the Prison Visiting Committees. [5994/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I announced plans some time ago to strengthen the independent oversight of our prisons. To this end, the Government has approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill which will include provisions 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.

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 role of the Inspector of Prisons. I believe this will greatly enhance the Inspector's independent oversight of the prison system. Under the new proposed arrangements, it is my intention that Visiting Committees will report regularly to the Inspector of Prisons. In addition, Visiting Committees will be able to report any urgent or major matter to the Inspector at any time. They will continue their role of visiting prisons. They will also continue to meet with prisoners and liaise on their behalf with prison authorities, and they will be more effective.

Subject to competing legislative priorities, it is expected that the General Scheme will be published early this year. When work on preparation of the General Scheme has been completed, I will be seeking Government approval for its publication to facilitate a consultation process in advance of drafting and publication of the Bill.