Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2099. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the status of plans to place the Irish Prison Service on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43330/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The General Scheme of the Irish Prison Service Bill, as approved by the previous Government, provides for the establishment of the Irish Prison Service on a statutory basis with defined functions.

The proposed Bill will also introduce significant new governance arrangements and strategic supports, including a non-executive board, an audit committee and other expert committees as required.

These new structures will ensure that the Irish Prison Service has the benefit of expert, dedicated oversight and guidance in implementing penal policy reforms, managing capital projects and ensuring the highest standards of governance and accountability throughout the prison system.

The General Scheme has been referred to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and I will not delay in progressing the Bill once it is drafted.