3 October 2006

Justice

Place the Office of Inspector of Prisons on Statutory Footing

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to place the Office of the Inspector of Prisons on a statutory footing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. 

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):

In 2002, the then Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform established the Office of Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention on a non statutory footing. 

In 2005, I looked at the possibility of providing a statutory basis for the office by means of a statutory instrument.  However, after consultation with the Attorney General, I came to the conclusion that there should be provision for such an office in primary legislation. 

In July of this year, the Government approved my proposal to establish an Office of Inspector of Prisons on a statutory basis.  I will be introducing an appropriate statutory provision by means of an amendment to the Prisons Bill 2005 in the near future.  I would hope that the Bill, as amended, will be enacted before Christmas of this year so that the statutory office can be established in 2007.