Menu
08/05/2014
Prison Officers' Association Call For Independent Ombudsman
The President of the Prison Officers' Association has called for the establishment of an Prison Ombudsman, with the remit to independent investigate prisoner complaints.
Stephen Delaney made the call at the Annual Delegate Conference, being held in Sligo, saying: "We are seriously concerned about the current Complaints Procedure operating within the Prison Service.
"This system was introduced in January 2013 and is overly weighted in favour of the complainant. The overwhelming majority of complaints made since the legislation was introduced have not been upheld.
"It is well established that vexatious complaints can be part of the prison system and this is a most serious issue for prison officers. In the recently published Douche Report there was a recommendation in regard to the establishment of a Prison Ombudsman.
"The POA would fully support the appointment of an independent Ombudsman to investigate prisoner complaints – something we have called for in the past. The practice of the Inspector of Prisons having oversight of the Complaints Procedure has proven to be most unsatisfactory."
(MH)
Stephen Delaney made the call at the Annual Delegate Conference, being held in Sligo, saying: "We are seriously concerned about the current Complaints Procedure operating within the Prison Service.
"This system was introduced in January 2013 and is overly weighted in favour of the complainant. The overwhelming majority of complaints made since the legislation was introduced have not been upheld.
"It is well established that vexatious complaints can be part of the prison system and this is a most serious issue for prison officers. In the recently published Douche Report there was a recommendation in regard to the establishment of a Prison Ombudsman.
"The POA would fully support the appointment of an independent Ombudsman to investigate prisoner complaints – something we have called for in the past. The practice of the Inspector of Prisons having oversight of the Complaints Procedure has proven to be most unsatisfactory."
(MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 July 2016
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
18 May 2015
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
06 November 2012
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
26 April 2012
Prison Officers Asking For Help With Prison Gangs
The Prison Officers Association says violent and powerful prison gangs are terrorising more compliant or weaker prisoners and prison officers have no clear instructions on how to handle the issue. Union president Stephen Delaney said it was well known that the prison gang problem in the Republic had become a serious issue in recent years.
Prison Officers Asking For Help With Prison Gangs
The Prison Officers Association says violent and powerful prison gangs are terrorising more compliant or weaker prisoners and prison officers have no clear instructions on how to handle the issue. Union president Stephen Delaney said it was well known that the prison gang problem in the Republic had become a serious issue in recent years.
28 May 2014
Ombudsman Receives 90,000 Complaints In 30 Years
2014 marks 30 years since the establishment of an Ombudsman in Ireland and the Office has received nearly 90,000 complaints against public bodies since 1984. At the launch of his annual report for 2013 Ombudsman Peter Tyndall said that his Office had received 3,190 complaints in 2013.
Ombudsman Receives 90,000 Complaints In 30 Years
2014 marks 30 years since the establishment of an Ombudsman in Ireland and the Office has received nearly 90,000 complaints against public bodies since 1984. At the launch of his annual report for 2013 Ombudsman Peter Tyndall said that his Office had received 3,190 complaints in 2013.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
