Parliamentary Question: Prison Visiting Committees

12th February 2003

304. Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total cost of each prison visiting committee for 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3837/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): As I have previously explained to the House, a visiting committee is appointed to each prison under the Prisons (Visiting Committees) Act, 1925 and Prisons (Visiting Committees) Order, 1925.

The function of visiting committees is to visit, at frequent intervals, the prison to which they are appointed and hear any complaints which may be made to them by any prisoner. They report to me any abuses observed or found by them in the prison and any repairs they think may be urgently needed. The visiting committee has free access, either collectively or individually, to every part of its prison. In inspecting prisons, the visiting committees focus on issues such as the quality of accommodation and the catering, medical, educational and welfare services and recreational facilities.

Members of visiting committees receive no remuneration. Vouched expenses for travel and subsistence are paid, on the authorisation of the Prison Governor, in line with Civil Service rates.

The following table setting out the total cost of each prison visiting committee for the period requested by the Deputy.*
*Download table.