Jonathan O'Brien
Question:547 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will establish an office of a prisoner’s ombudsman. [34838/12]
View answerDáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 July 2012
547 Deputy Jonathan O’Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will establish an office of a prisoner’s ombudsman. [34838/12]
View answerOne of the obligations imposed by the Prisons (Visiting Committee) Act 1925 on such committees is to hear any complaints which may be made to them by a prisoner. I intend in due course in legislation to provide for a link between Visiting Committees and the Inspector of Prisons. I have also decided that a new complaints procedure should be introduced under the oversight of the Inspector of Prisons.
In the circumstances I am not convinced that there is any added value in establishing a prisoner's ombudsman and have no plans to establish such an office.