Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
865. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of incidents that have occurred in Irish prisons that have resulted in disciplinary action, per year since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40019/26]
View answerA disciplinary system is in place under the Prisons Act 2007 which empowers Governors to deal with prisoners who have breached the Prison Rules and allows for the imposition of sanctions where a breach of the Rules has been proven to take place.
Such sanctions are normally in the form of loss of certain privileges, such as reduced phone calls, reduced visits, prohibition on the use of the gym, prohibition on use of the tuck shop etc, for defined periods of time. At the higher end of the scale, sanction can comprise a reduction in remission. The increase in numbers has been noted and is largely attributable to the increase in the prison population.
The Deputy also requested the number of incidents involving prison staff that resulted in disciplinary action. When necessary, the Irish Prison Service utilises the Civil Service Disciplinary Code (19 of 2026) to formally address incidents where concerns arise regarding staff behaviour. It is important to emphasise that the commencement of a process under the Code of Discipline is not in itself an indication of wrongdoing. It may be determined that no disciplinary action is required.
The information provided below is collated using information as reported by each prison Governor. The vast majority of cases where a sanction is invoked would relate to minor breaches of discipline, such as attendance-related issues.
