Justice Minister comments on remarks regarding department resources

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons says he is extremely concerned and disturbed that union officials from the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees (NAPE) and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA) would use the escape from lawful custody of convicted sex offender Richard Ryan, as an opportunity to advance their collective bargaining concerns.

"We have a very serious public safety and protection issue here, and our focus is, and will continue to be the recapture of Mr. Ryan," stated Minister Parsons. "It is completely irresponsible for persons such as Leo Puddester of NAPE and Terry Corbin of the RNCA, to be suggesting that a lack of resources is interfering with efforts to recapture Mr. Ryan."

The minister said concerns about resources should be addressed in the proper place and time, and not be interjected in the instance of an escape from custody of a dangerous offender.

"I want to re-emphasize to the public, that the principal concern here, is the recapture of Richard Ryan," said Minister Parsons. "All resources that are required to do so are being committed to this effort and the RNC has been assured of this."

The Department of Justice has also made it clear to prison officials at Her Majesty�s Penitentiary in St. John�s, that no further inmate escorts will be conducted unless all policies and procedures are strictly adhered to. "If not, the visits will not take place under any circumstances," stated the minister. "We want to assure the public that there will be a complete comprehensive investigation into the factor or factors which led to Mr. Ryan�s escape, and depending on the results of the investigation, action will be taken to ensure that it does not happen again."

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6564.

2000 08 11                               11:45 a.m.