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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Inspection of places of detention Bill

Summary

Deputy O'Reilly asks about legislation to inspect all places of detention and ratify the torture convention protocol, with emphasis on prison healthcare. The Tánaiste says the heads are being prepared and expects the prison health review to conclude this year.

I want to ask the Tánaiste about the inspection of places of detention Bill. This is to provide for the inspection of all places of detention, including prisons. The Bill is supposed to include provisions to enable the ratification of the United Nations optional protocol on the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Last November, a report on health care in Irish prisons produced by the late Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, was published. The report makes a number of recommendations on the provision of health care in prisons, including a review of prison health care. I understand the terms of reference are being finalised. Will the Tánaiste indicate when she expects the terms of reference to be concluded? Will they be published? How long does she envisage the review of prison health care to take? When does she expect the inspection of places of detention Bill to be published?

Comment on this

The heads of that legislation are under preparation. I imagine the review of prison health care, which is a joint initiative between the Department of Health and the Department of Justice and Equality, will be concluded this year.

Comment on this