Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 8

Written Answers. - Women Prisoners' Facilities.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

16 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself that conditions in the Women's Prison at Mountjoy are satisfactory; and her views on the Visiting Committee's report regarding these conditions.

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn)

Women offenders are at present accommodated temporarily in a section of St. Patrick's Institution. This accommodation has, recently, been refurbished to a high standard, with sanitation facilities in each cell. I am satisfied that the refurbishment work has brought about a significant improvement in conditions for women offenders from those which pertained in the past.

In the course of my review of prisons policy, I came to the conclusion that the special needs of women offenders would best be met by the provision of a new, purpose-designed custodial facility. The Government, on my recommendation, and as already announced, has approved the provision of such a facility. It is my intention that the new prison will be designed and organised with an ambience and a range of facilities and activities appropriate to the special needs of women prisoners. In this context, as the Deputy will be aware, I have established an expert steering committee to advise me on the best options to take in relation to the design and operation of the prison to meet the special standards required. The points made by the visiting committee will be taken into account in the plans for the prison.