Justice meeting ahead of Irish presidency of Council of the European Union

Jim O'Callaghan

They discussed a wide range of topics including data retention, prison management and the treatment of sex offenders and domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).
 
Mr O’Callaghan said: “I welcome the opportunity to build on the strong relationship we have with France, our closest EU neighbour. Following our meeting in Paris in March, this has been another positive opportunity to discuss Ireland’s Presidency priorities but also to discuss the important issues of prison management and DSGBV and the mutual challenges we face in those areas.”
 
Prior to the meeting, both ministers were provided with a tour and historical overview of Arbour Hill Prison, followed by a visit and tour of the cemetery, delivered by the Office of Public Works.
 
During his visit, Mr Darmanin also met with representatives from Cuan, the DSGBV Agency, to discuss Cuan’s key responsibilities and priorities, awareness raising and prevention campaigns, protecting child victims of sexual or domestic violence and the protection of children in DSGBV and family law proceedings.
 
Mr O’Callaghan added: “While there are differences of scale between Irish and French prisons, we face similar challenges including the management of organised crime groups in prisons.
 
“We had a valuable exchange of views on security regimes, factors contributing to recidivism and also the Irish approach to managing those convicted of sexual offences. The insights were augmented by meetings with Cuan and my officials about the priority placed on tackling DSGBV in our society.”