Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

131. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if pregnant women that may be in prison are not restrained or shackled when making visits to hospital clinics for antenatal care. [17962/17]

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

132. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if pregnant women that may be in prison are not restrained or shackled in the intra partum or immediate post-birth period. [17963/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that decisions relating to the handcuffing of prisoners both male and female are made on a case by case basis, following a risk assessment and consideration of the operational and security requirements of the escort.

In accordance with the IPS Escorting of Prisoners Policy, female prisoners in the norm are not handcuffed, unless directed by the prison Governor or Chief Officer.

IPS Escorting of Prisoners Standard Operating Procedure specifically states that pregnant female prisoners may not be transported in a cellular vehicle.