Written answers
Tuesday, 27 July 2021
Department of Justice and Equality
Prison Service
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1359. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date on which the new prison complaints system will be implemented; if a new policy in relation to same has been developed; and if so, if she will provide the Ombudsman with an insight in order for that office to prepare itself for adopting it into its functions. [39953/21]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that substantial work has been completed on the necessary actions to introduce the new Prisoner Complaints System, including on staff training, the development of an integrated IT system to support case handling and a draft policy for complaints handling.
A critical path for the introduction of the new system has been provided to my office. This includes the drafting of the Statutory Instrument to support a legally sound administrative process and to amend the prison rules.
My Officials and the Irish Prison Service continue to engage with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel with a view to completing work on the Statutory Instrument which will give legal effect to the new Prisoner Complaints System.
They are also continuing to engage with the necessary stakeholders, including the Office of the Ombudsman, with regard to the introduction of the new complaints system and in preparation for its future operation.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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1360. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of governor and deputy governor vacancies that are open across the Irish Prison Service as of 20 July 2021; and if she will provide a note on the rotation policy of governors around prisons. [39955/21]
Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that there is currently one Governor vacancy across the prison service as of 20 July 2021. That vacancy currently exists at the grade of Governor 3, in the Midlands prison.
I understand that the reference to Deputy Governor is to the position of Assistant Governor grade in the IPS. There is one post at the grade of Assistant Governor which is currently being filled by the grade of Prison Higher Executive Officer.
In relation to the rotation policy referred to, the assignment of Governor grades is a matter for the Director of Human Resources in consultation with the Director General who both act on my behalf, and any assignments and/or reassignments are made having due regard to the needs and exigencies of the entire prison estate at any given time.
In respect of the rotation of Assistant Governors, those serving at such grades may seek to transfer on a voluntary basis to another location by way of the transfer protocol as agreed with the relevant staff representative association. In addition, Assistant Governors may be reassigned in accordance with the needs and exigencies of the service which may arise at any given time.
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