asked the Minister for Justice the total accommodation capacity of prisons in this State under the authority of his Department; and if he will state the percentage capacity currently in use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prison Population and Accommodation.
90.
Before the recent riot, a total of 851 cells was available for the accommodation of male prisoners in the prisons at Mountjoy, Portlaoise, Limerick and Cork. Allowing for the fact that some were designed as multiple cells, nearly 900 prisoners could be accommodated in them without any suggestion of over-crowding. As a result of the riot, the number of usable cells has been reduced to 669, that is to say 76 per cent of the former figure. This accommodation is being fully used and in fact there is urgent need for more.
I should perhaps mention that, while the total number of cells available in the various prisons is the only specific figure that can be provided in relation to prison capacity, it is not a complete indication of the number of prisoners who can be satisfactorily accommodated at any particular time. This is also influenced by the need to segregate unconvicted from convicted prisoners, the need for ancillary services such as catering, sanitation and recreational facilities and, of course, the requirements of safe custody.
91.
asked the Minister for Justice (i) the total number of prisoners at present detained in prisons and (ii) (a) the overall number of these held on remand and (b) the numbers held on remand for one month, two months, et cetera.
Of the 766 persons in prison as at 30th May, 82 are on remand or awaiting trial. The required particulars relating to these 82 are as follows:
|
56 |
Less than 1 month |
|
9 |
1 month and less than 2 months |
|
10 |
2 months and less than 3 months |
|
5 |
3 months and less than 4 months |
|
2 |
4 months and less than 5 months |
Would the Minister not agree that it is rather odd to hold even five persons on remand for three months?
Of these five a number of them could have been out on bail and did not take it. Another of them asked for his trial to be adjourned, in order to facilitate his defence, I think.
They would fall, therefore, into the category of what the Minister describes as not exactly ordinary prisoners.
The Deputy used the description.
And Radio Éireann use it even when the Minister does not use it.