Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Portlaoise Prison.

Liam Hyland

Question:

397 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners currently in Portlaoise Prison, County Laois; the full extent of the prison accommodation in Portlaoise; if she has satisfied herself that the prison is used to its maximum potential; if she will consider changing the status of the prison to accommodate remand and other prisoners; and her views on whether the plans for the further development of the Portlaoise prison should be urgently reexamined and implemented as the most cost effective way of dealing with the problem in providing new prison accommodation. [1034/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The number of prisoners currently in Portlaoise is about 140. The prison could technically accommodate 207 but, due to the use of part of the prison for paramilitary prisoners, it is organised somewhat differently to other closed prisons. There is a high degree of segregation, based on the different groupings in the prison. Due to this segregation, a number of cells are required for purposes such as education, workshops, etc. and toilet facilities. A number of cells are tied down in this way. At present there are 107 prisoners in Portlaoise for crimes other than paramilitary offences, such as murder, burglary etc.

I am reviewing the options that may be open to me in regard to all prison places at present. I will bring my proposals to Government where decisions will be made in the near future.