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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 1989

Vol. 390 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mountjoy (Dublin) Jail.

16.

asked the Minister for Justice the plans there are to improve hygiene arrangements in Mountjoy Jail and especially to end the degrading and unhygienic practice of prisoners having to slop out; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not practicable to instal in-cell sanitation at Mountjoy. The best that can be done is to improve the toilet facilities provided for offenders outside of cells. Work on the completion of the final phase of a programme to increase the number of toilets, etc. available to offenders is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in a few months' time. The completion of this programme will mean that toilet facilities in the reception area, work areas and all wings of the prison will have been improved in recent years.

As far as the general hygiene arrangements within the prison are concerned, I am satisfied that all staff are conscious of their obligations in regard to the observance of proper procedures and precautions where the health and safety of prisoners and-or staff is concerned.

Will the Minister agree, now that most of the cells in Mountjoy are occupied by two and sometimes three prisoners, that it is completely degrading to require men to use a bucket in their cell with no prospect or avenue of relief during the night? I should like to ask the Minister how the improvements will reduce the ratio per toilet unit from the current outrageous figure of 54 prisoners to one cistern in Mountjoy. How many will be required to use each unit when the new facilities have been installed?

The difficulty with the old prison was a physical one. I accept that the Minister has had difficulty in meeting the requirements.

The prison should be closed down.

The Minister has taken steps to cater for a greater number. The number is not on the file but I will obtain the information for the Deputy and forward it to him.

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