Vol. 476 No. 7
305 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice her views on the fact that proper classification of prisoners in our prisons should take place in regard to remand prisoners and convicted prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7900/97]
It is an accepted principle in the management of prisons worldwide that unconvicted prisoners, i.e. remands, are accommodated and managed separately from the main offender population.
I can confirm that this principle is fully adhered to in the majority of cases in this jurisdiction. Due to operational reasons, however, a small percentage of prisoners are not accommodated separately but are, in all other respects, treated in accordance with their remand status.
Construction is due to commence shortly on the new remand prison at Wheatfield, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This facility, which will provide an additional 400 spaces, will provide for the centralised classification and assessment of all of the State's remand prisoners.
