Fitzgerald accepts argument for Ombudsman role in prisoner complaints process

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has accepted a recommendation that the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner should be given a role in the prison inspection process.

Ms Fitzgerald said a report by Judge Michael Reilly, Inspector of Prisons, had identified a number of significant concerns around the prisoner complaints system.

Review, Evaluation and Analysis of the Operation of the present Irish Prison Service Complaints Procedure is the first review of the statutory complaints procedure since its introduction in 2013 following recommendations made by the Inspector in 2012.

It recommends prisoners should be allowed to refer complaints to the Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman would also be able to deal with complaints directly in the case of undue delay.

Ms Fitzgerald said: “It is clear that more needs to be done before we have a system that will gain the full confidence of staff, prisoners and the general public.

“I accept the Inspector’s main recommendation that the Ombudsman should be given a role in the process and my officials will be progressing this with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

“The Inspector made it clear to me that he considered the Irish Prison Service has to retain a central role in the complaints process but with independent oversight. He is satisfied that a fair and effective complaints procedure could be achieved with the implementation of his recommendations.”

The minister has separately met with the Inspector of Prisons and the Director General of the Irish Prison Service to discuss the report.