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Dear colleagues,
My first visit to the Department of Prisons today is proof that the issues of prisons and prisoners' rights will be at the centre of my attention, actions and priorities as Minister of Justice and Public Order.
It is a fact that significant changes have taken place in recent years, with respect for human rights and the reform of prisoners as the main pillars. Our aim is to continue the human-centred treatment of prisoners on the basis of observing the principles of legality, control, equality and respect for human rights.
A critical and decisive factor in the performance of the work of prisons is the consistency and professional dedication of all actors in the correctional process: the prison administration, prison staff and prisoners.
It is a fact that the most important problem facing prisons is that of overcrowding. The inadequate staffing of the Prison Department is also a problem. These problems hamper the correctional process and create operational problems in the prisons.
I have already been informed of the short- and medium-term measures adopted by the present Government which are in the process of being implemented to address this serious problem.
With the implementation of the above measures in two phases, the first of which will be completed in September next year, the total capacity of the Central Prison is expected to increase to about 1200 prisoners.
As regards the question of staffing of the Prisons Department, at present there are about 136 vacant posts of Wardens, which are to be advertised in two phases. The first phase will involve filling approximately 80 positions and the second phase will involve filling approximately 50 positions.
We are also proceeding with the upgrading of the Bailiff School to offer a recognized one-year certificate from the Quality Assurance and Certification Agency for Higher Education to fully meet the specialized training needs of the Bailiffs.
I also expect that the article-by-article discussion in the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Public Order of the new legislation and the new regulatory framework for prisons, which significantly enhances the protection of the human rights of prisoners under conditions of security and order in prisons, will proceed and be completed as soon as possible.
I would like to take the opportunity of my visit today to assure you that the change in the orientation of the institution of imprisonment in recent years to a means of correction, rehabilitation and social reintegration of prisoners will continue and will be further intensified.
The education, training and education of prisoners and the general strengthening of their rehabilitation in order to reintegrate them into their social, family and community environment will continue. The many noteworthy actions undertaken in the areas of strengthening the knowledge, skills and abilities of prisoners in order to enhance their social reintegration are fully in line with our strategic objectives in terms of the functioning and aspirations of our prison system.
At this point, I would like to recall that the implementation of an innovative four million euro Incentive Plan for the Labour Rehabilitation of Released Prisoners, as approved by the Council of Ministers, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of this Plan, between the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Federation of Employers and Industrialists, is underway.
Suffice it to say that the interest of companies in employing released prisoners of all specialties has exceeded all expectations, since to date there have been 70 placements of released prisoners in as many companies on a nationwide basis. In this context, I intend to expand the implementation of the mentioned Plan with other institutions through Memoranda of Understanding in order to maximize the actions of work rehabilitation of released prisoners.
Dear colleagues,
The multiple reformative actions and human-centered programs of prisons build and maintain bridges of communication with the outside world.
The multiple reformative actions and human-centered programs of prisons build and maintain bridges of communication with the outside world. They relieve the difficulties of incarceration, making prison time less painful and more productive. They lead to overcoming stereotypical perceptions of imprisonment and prisoners. Most importantly: they support and shield prisoners, giving them a second chance in life and in society, which they deserve and which we as a state are obliged to offer them.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate each of you personally for your efforts so that imprisonment can be an opportunity for learning, reforming, improving and cultivating responsibility, with the aim of the most productive possible social reintegration.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate each of you personally for your efforts so that imprisonment can be an opportunity for learning, reforming, improving and cultivating responsibility, with the aim of the most productive possible social reintegration.
For our part as a State, we assure you that we will continue to support these efforts and the work of the Directorate and the staff of the Prison.
Thank you.
(OP/AF)
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