Simon Power MP
National Party Justice & Corrections Spokesman

15 March 2007

O’Connor has no idea

Damien O’Connor has no idea what is going on in his own back yard, says National’s Justice and Corrections spokesman, Simon Power.

In the House this afternoon the Corrections Minister admitted he had no idea how many inquiries are underway into corruption within his department.

“It’s time the Minister opened his eyes,” says Mr Power.

Last month after admitting there was an investigation into guard corruption at Christchurch Men’s Prison, in addition to one at Rimutaka, Damien O’Connor told Parliament: ‘I do agree with the Prime Minister. It [corruption] is not rife’ in the prison system.

A few hours later he said on radio there was also an investigation under way at Manawatu Prison.

“How many more investigations are underway that the Minister doesn’t know about?”

Today it was revealed that four Rimutaka prison guards have stood down after allegedly arranging conjugal visits for a convicted rapist.

More suspensions are pending.

“This comes hot on the heels of revelations that another convicted rapist smuggled sperm out of Rimutaka prison so he could father a child,” says Mr Power.

“It’s hard to believe Damien O’Connor is in control as the Corrections Department continues to lurch from one crisis to another.”

ENDS

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