New rules for prisoners launched

New procedures for dealing with prisoner discipline have come into effect today which allow for the holding of inquiries into alleged breaches.

The provisions also cover the imposition of sanctions where a breach is found to have occurred and also the right of an inmate to petition the Minister of Justice, Equality and Law Reform against a finding and to appeal it to an independent appeal tribunal.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Brian Lenihan, who signed the order introducing the new procedures this morning, said that the provisions would ensure that effective and transparent disciplinary procedures operate within prisons.

"The new procedures balance the need to promote discipline among the prison population along with the rights of prisoners to seek redress if they feel they have not been treated fairly," said Mr Lenihan.

"The introduction of these provisions reflects a continued commitment to the modernisation of the prison service," the minister added.

The new procedures are part of the Prisons Act 2007.