Martin Cullen
Question:41 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to improve the visiting facilities between mothers and their children in Mountjoy Prison and other prisons in the State.
Written Answers. - Prison Visiting Facilities.
At present, women offenders are accommodated in a refurbished section of St. Patrick's Institution and at Limerick prison. In both cases the available visiting facilities are of a reasonable standard and any necessary improvements which may be required from time to time will be undertaken insofar as the constraints of the existing buildings allow.
As already publicly announced, the Government has, on my recommendation, approved the provision of a new prison for women. It is my intention that the new prison will be designed and organised with an ambience and range of activities and facilities appropriate to the special needs of female prisoners. In this context, I have established an Expert Steering Committee to advise me on the best options to take in relation to the design of the prison to meet the high standards required. I would expect the committee to have special regard to facilities for visits by children and other family members of the female offenders.