Helen Keogh
Question:4 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Justice whether she intends to provide a new female prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation for Female Offenders.
As I have indicated on a number of occasions recently, including today, I am at present reviewing policy in relation to the operation of prisons. That review will comprehend prison facilities and regimes together with, of course, issues such as the wider development of community-based sanctions as an alternative to prison custody, the assessment of temporary release arrangements, etc. It would, I feel, be inappropriate to come to firm conclusions in relation to the question of a new prison for women — or, indeed, in relation to any other important policy matter in the prisons area — pending completion of the review.
However, at this stage, there are two specific developments which I consider are particularly noteworthy in relation to women offenders. Firstly, and without prejudice to any decisions that may be made following the review to which I referred, the refurbishment of the existing women's prison in Mountjoy will result in a significant improvement in the physical conditions for female offenders. So far the cellular accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard and includes the provision of sanitation facilities in each cell. Planning for the upgrading of the remainder of the accommodation to provide improved facilities for education, work training and recreation, is at an advanced stage. Secondly, my Department is, in conjunction with the Council for the Status of Women and the Department of Enterprise and Employment, at an advanced stage in providing a specialist training and education centre outside the prison mainly for women prisoners. The project, which is co-financed by my Department and the European Social Fund under the new opportunities for women initiative, will provide women offenders with significant opportunities for self-development.
Would the Minister accept that the accommodation to be provided for female prisoners is of a temporary nature and as a result it is very difficult to provide for the smooth running of the female prison when staff have to be shunted from one place to another? Would the Minister make a decision in relation to a permanent location, even if a separate new prison cannot be provided for female prisoners.
As Deputy Harney is aware, the accommodation in which female prisoners are being housed at present is temporary. The accommodation which is being refurbished will be permanent until such time as we make a decision as to whether we need or should have a separate women's prison. That decision will be made at the end of the policy review. However, on a personal policy basis, I believe we should be doing everything possible to make prison sentences and accommodation for women a different environment than what it has been up to now. I know the Deputy is aware of and appreciates the refurbishment and improvements made both in the physical condition and in the educational area in regard to opportunities for self-development which have been prepared under the NOW initiative. Possible initiatives which are being examined at present are important ones which will enable women have access in a more friendly and easy way to their families and particularly to their children.
I am seeking to dispose of as many questions as possible.
Does the Minister rule out the re-organisation of Wheatfield Prison to accommodate women prisoners as it was intended originally as a woman's prison?
I do not rule out any option at this stage. It is important to consider all the options. All options are being considered under the review and I hope that review will be available shortly.