Parliamentary Question: Prison Accommodation

31st January 2007

453. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the installation of mobile phone jamming devices in all State run places of detention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The illegal use of mobile phones in prisons and places of detention has the capacity to compromise the security of the institution and the safety of the staff and other prisoners. I am advised that mobile phones have been used by prisoners to continue some of their illegal activities including organising the smuggling of contraband into prisons.

The Irish Prison Service, in common with prison authorities in other jurisdictions is attempting to find an effective means of eliminating the risks posed by prisoners having access to mobile phone technology and, in this context, regular searches are carried out by prison service staff in all prisons and places of detention to locate and remove mobile phones. I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to deal with the problem of prisoners using mobile phones and, in this context, I believe technology offers the only real answer to dealing with the problem. In that regard the Prison Service is at an advanced stage in the examination and procurement of technological options for dealing with the use of mobile phones within prisons.