Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the names and membership of each prison visiting committee; when each person was appointed; when their term expires; the number of vacant positions on each committee presently; the way he proposes to fill these vacancies; if he will advertise these publically; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13294/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Visiting Committee members are appointed for a period of three years by the Minister for Justice and Equality under the Prisons (siting Committees) Act 1925 and Prisons (siting Committees) Order 1925. There are fourteen Prison siting Committees in existence - one for each institution. Each siting Committee comprises no more than six members, and only suitable people with appropriate qualifications and a genuine interest in prison issues are appointed. There are currently 18 vacancies which I am in the process of filling. Details on membership for each Committee are set out in the following tables.

The Government has approved the drafting of a General Scheme of an Inspection of Places of Detention Bill, which will include provisions to make siting 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 siting 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. 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.

LIST OF CURRENT PRISON VISITING COMMITTEE VACANCIES

LIST OF VISITING COMMITTEE MEMBERS ( 12 March, 2013 )