Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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113. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the arrangements in force at present in relation to prison visits in view of the general opening up of society recently due to changes in the challenges from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6334/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by my officials in the Irish Prison Service that they continue to review and modify the Covid-19 restrictions which have been in place in our prisons throughout the pandemic. Restrictive measures have continued to be modified in line with the various announcements made by Government and in line with advice from Public Health/HSE and the Irish Prison Service National Infection Control team.

The Deputy will be aware that following a short two week suspension physical visits recommenced in all prisons on Monday 24 January and prisoners are entitled to receive one physical visit per fortnight.

Prisoners may also avail of a video visit during the week that they are not receiving a physical visit. Alternatively, prisoners may choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.

The Deputy may be aware that the duration of physical visits was extended to 30 minutes in closed prisons in November 2021, with hourly visits operating in the open centres.

In addition, the Prison Service announced last week that from 14 February the number of persons permitted to visit a prisoner would increased to three persons, of which two may be a child (under 18 years of age). Visits will continue to be subject to infection control measures including the wearing of a prison issued face mask.

I can further advise the Deputy, that no decision has been taken in relation to the resumption of weekly visits however this matter is under constant review.

Finally I can advise the Deputy that some restrictions will continue to apply in prisons where outbreaks of Covid-19 are ongoing.

Updates on the operation of physical family visits are published on a regular basis on the Irish Prison Service website, www.irishprisons.ie, and twitter account, @irishprisons.