1st April 2014
The Taoiseach has told the Dáil that conversations between 84 prisoners and their solicitors were "inadvertently recorded".
Under the Prison Rules 2007, under the Constitution of Ireland, and under the European Convention of Human Rights, any communication between a prisoner and their legal representative is privileged information and confidential.
While telephone calls made by prisoners are monitored and recorded, the exception is calls to solicitors (legal advisers) and counselling services, such as the Samaritans.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.