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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Dec 1986

Vol. 370 No. 14

Written Answers. - Closure of Limerick Prison.

121.

asked the Minister for Justice the reasons for the closure of Limerick female prison in view of the overcrowding in Mountjoy: and the steps he proposes to take to protect the interests of the 36 members of the staff of Limerick female prison who were given a few days notice of the intention to close the prison.

The decision to close the female section of Limerick prison was taken having regard to the continuing pressures on accommodation in the male prisons and particularly because it has regularly only been catering for between eight and eleven female offenders when there is accommodation for about 30. In view of this and the fact that most of the offenders were from the Dublin region and that additional accommodation had recently been provided at Mountjoy female prison I decided in those circumstances that Limerick prison should no longer accommodate female offenders and that the female section should be occupied by male offenders. All female offenders are now accommodated at Mountjoy female prison.

With regard to the female staff attached to Limerick prison, I am happy that the most satisfactory arrangements possible have been arrived at. Five officers who had previously applied for transfer to Cork prison have now been facilitated; one officer who was recently appointed as a permanent officer was assigned for induction training and five temporary officers have been reassigned to institutions in Dublin. In recognition of the short time scale involved and following discussion with the staff side the remaining 24 female staff are being integrated with the male staff attached to Limerick prison on a temporary basis for a period of three months from 1 December 1986. During this period the staffing situation will be assessed by my Department and there will be further consultations with the staff side in the matter.

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