asked the Minister for Justice when the new Wheatfield prison in Dublin 22 will be opened; the type of offenders who will be detained there; if, following its opening, St. Patrick's Institution in Dublin 7 will be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Wheatfield (Dublin) Prison.
14.
The question of opening the new place of detention at Wheatfield, Clondalkin, County Dublin, the associated staffing implications and the future use of St. Patrick's Institution are matters which will shortly be considered by the Government.
Construction of the place of detention was completed on 3 February last and furnishings, equipping and commissioning are now being finalised. The locking systems are also being put in place and this is likely to take a few months to complete.
The place of detention was designed to accommodate 320 male offenders in the 16 to 21 years age group.