Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - Prison Places.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

442 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position regarding the number of extra prison spaces; the date by which they are to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21576/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The following is the current position regarding extra prison spaces that are under planning or construction:

Limerick	60 places	Construction completed — to become available within a few weeks.
Castlerea main prison	152 places including 15 remands	Construction under way — to be completed February 1998.
Wheatfield remand prison	400 places	Construction under way — to be completed late 1998.
New women's prison	80 places	Construction under way — to be completed late 1998.
New prison, Portlaoise	400 places	Planning under way — final tendering process due to commence shortly, construction due for completion by mid-1999.

A further ten places have been provided at Limerick prison through refurbishment works. Enhancement of facilities at Wheatfield and the Curragh enables in excess of 60 additional prisoners to be accommodated in these institutions.

The current programme will, therefore, deliver over 1,100 additional places over the first two years of this Government's term of office. The provision of other additional spaces is under consideration at present and I can assure the Deputy that I intend to honour in full the commitment as stated in the Government's Action Programme for the Millennium, in relation to prison spaces.