Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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180. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on the fact that, as of March 2013, three prisoners aged 17 years were on protection in St. Patrick's Institution, Dublin, two of whom are locked up for 23 hours per day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21821/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that of the three prisoners referred to in the Deputy's question, two of those prisoners requested to be placed on protection in St Patrick's Institution. I am further advised that the other prisoner was placed on protection following a case conference at which the relevant services, the prisoner's family and also the prisoner himself were in attendance. The Deputy might note that this prisoner is no longer on protection and is described by local management as 'getting on well'.

Of the further two 17 years olds who are on protection and were previously on 23 hour lock up, I wish to advise the Deputy that while still classified as protection prisoners, both prisoners work in the kitchens (Work and Training) and therefore mix with other prisoners 7 days a week, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm.