Irish Penal Reform Trust

Newstalk: Minister launches preliminary investigation into allegations of covert surveillance

23rd November 2018

In a story reported by the Irish Examiner (22.11.2018), a sworn affidavit given to Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan and the prison service this week by a serving prison officer has claimed that covert surveillance has been in operation in prisons and prisoner transport.

In a statement made by the Minister for Justice and Equality regarding the alleged surveillance, the Minister announced that the Inspector of Prisons, Patricia Gilheaney, will carry out an urgent preliminary investigation into the allegations.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast today (23.11.2018), IPRT Executive Director Deirdre Malone stated:

“The Minister can redact the content of any report if he’s of the opinion that its disclosure would be prejudicial to security or contrary to the public interest.

“It’s very important that the Data Protection Commission and the Complaints Referee under the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009 consider also using their powers to work with the Inspector.”

The Newstalk news report also references further concerns of a whistleblower reported in the Irish Examiner today (23.11.2018) about the manner in which deaths in custody are dealt with. 

Listen back to the short news report on Newstalk Breakfast here

For more on IPRT’s response to the allegations and the announcement of an investigation, see here.

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