Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to an article in a newspaper of 22 February 2013, regarding a convicted murderer (details supplied) who alleges to have use of a mobile phone; if an investigation will be carried out into this matter due to the upset caused to the family of the victim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14609/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a search of the cell of the named prisoner (details supplied) was conducted at the time of the publication of the newspaper article and that no contraband was uncovered.

I can assure the Deputy that the Operational Support Group (OSG) of the Irish Prison Service continues to strive to prevent the smuggling of contraband into prisons. There are OSG units in operation in all closed prisons (excluding the Training Unit and Arbour Hill). They act as dedicated search teams, first responders to any alarm or incident, designated control and restraint team for cell removals and relocations and are the on call fire pickets.

In addition to the introduction of the OSG, further security enhancing measures have been introduced throughout the prison system. Airport style walk through detectors are installed in all closed prisons and every visitor and member of staff is required to pass through the detector before being granted access to the prison. In addition, x-ray scanners are also provided to each closed prison and all hand bags, briefcases, packages, coats, etc. are subject to screening. This screening is now fully operational for all staff and visitors entering our closed prisons (excluding Training Unit and Arbour Hill).

Finally, I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that from April 1st 2013, no person (including governors etc) will be allowed to bring a mobile phone into any closed prison.