29th January 2003
861. Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to the publication of the reports of the prison visiting committees. [2143/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Section 3(4) of the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act 1925 provides that reports made by a visiting committee to the Minister "shall be open to inspection without charge, at any reasonable time, by any person who makes application to the Minister for that purpose". In compliance with this legal obligation, the annual reports of the visiting committees are, subject to certain restrictions on the release of information of a personal nature, released to individuals who request them directly from my Department.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.