Parliamentary Question: Prison Visiting Committees

25th March 2003

548. Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times in the past five years that prison visiting committees has formally raised issues with his Department regarding the selection of library books, the quality and standard of meals and the organisation of lectures and addresses to prisoners. [7901/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I wish to advise the House that none of the prison visiting committees have formally raised the specific issues referred to by the Deputy with me, my predecessor or my Department over the past five years. The visiting committees, however, from time to time, bring to attention matters which they feel should be highlighted. This is normally achieved through direct contact with the governor of the institution to which they are appointed or through their annual report.