Vol. 436 No. 3
58 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Justice her views on whether conditions in the women's prison at Mountjoy are satisfactory; the plans, if any, she has to provide more suitable accommodation for women prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Women offenders are at present accommodated temporarily in the refurbished "D" Wing of St. Patrick's Institution. This accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard, including the provision of sanitation facilities in each cell. I am satisfied that this refurbishment has brought about a significant improvement in conditions for women offenders from those which pertained in the past. The intention was that the existing women's prison would be refurbished to the same high standard obtaining in the current temporary location and that markedly improved facilities for education, work/training and recreation would also be provided.
As I have previously indicated, in the House and elsewhere, I am at present reviewing policy in relation to the operation of prisons. This review is considering policy options including, of course, the provision of additional cell spaces, as well as other issues such as the wider development of community-based sanctions as an alternative to custody, the assessment of temporary release arrangements, etc. I will make a further statement in this regard when my review is completed.
Without prejudice to the outcome of the review, the indications are that a requirement of 150 to 200 additional spaces is involved. In this context I have decided to provide a new, purpose-designed custodial facility for women to accommodate up to 60 offenders. This new facility will be designed with the special needs of women offenders in mind and with a level of security appropriate to the category of offender being accommodated.
