Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 July 2025
2077. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if an ombudsman will be appointed to observe the current state of prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42878/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that there are no plans at present to establish a separate Ombudsman for Prisons in this jurisdiction.
My officials are currently working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to draft legislation that will further develop the role of the current Office of the Inspector of Prisons, in line with our international human rights obligations under the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention for the Prevention of Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
Enactment of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill is a commitment in the Programme for Government and will enable Ireland to ratify the OPCAT. The legislation will provide for the designation of a single National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) to visit and inspect all places of detention in the Justice Sector and for Government Ministers in other sectors to appoint appropriate NPMs for places of detention within their remit.
The existing post of Inspector of Prisons will be replaced by a new post of Chief Inspector of Places of Detention to act as the NPM for the Justice sector. The remit will include prisons, Garda stations, the courts and vehicles used for the transport of prisoners by the Irish Prison Service and Gardaí.
Together with the greatly increased funding provided to the Office of the Inspector of Prisons to expand its programme of inspections since 2019, I am confident that this work will result in further improvements to the oversight of prisons and contribute to upholding the human rights of prisoners, with consequent benefits to the wider community.
