27th November 2002
224. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has plans to allow the Irish Human Rights Commission to review the adequacy and effectiveness of human rights protections for prisoners in Irish prisons, as recommended by the Irish Penal Reform Trust. [24062/02]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): With reference to the list of actions which the IPRT has suggested the Human Rights Commission should take in relation to the human rights of prisoners, the position is that under section 8 of the Human Rights Commission Act, 2002, the commission has general functions on which it could rely to pursue the various issues raised.
IPRT representatives have already met the Human Rights Commission and presented it with a list of recommendations relating to prisoners and the Irish prison system.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.