Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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161. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 291 of 30 January 2018, the list of stakeholders that he is consulting with regard to their views on research conducted by the IHREC regarding OPCAT; and when he plans to have that process concluded. [6598/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Further to my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question number 291 of 30 January 2018 regarding the ratification of the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) my Department has been consulting stakeholders in relation to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission's research into how OPCAT can be implemented in Ireland.

In this regard, to date my Department has consulted the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Defence, the Garda Inspectorate, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Ombudsman for Children, the Irish Penal Reform Trust and the PRILA (Prisons, the Rule of Law, Accountability and Rights) Project Team at Trinity College.

On foot of observations from these bodies, it is intended to consult other relevant agencies. This phase of consultations should be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2018.

These consultations will inform the Department's consideration of the draft scheme of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill. Subject to competing priorities, it is then anticipated that Government approval will be sought as soon as possible thereafter to send the revised scheme to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.