Brendan Howlin
Question:61 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the facilities available to women prisoners in Limerick Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7216/99]
Written Answers. - Prison Accommodation.
C wing in Limerick Prison where the female prisoners are housed is an old building. The ground floor comprises a reception area, visiting room, servery area and domestic science-craft room with an exercise yard. On the second floor, there is a surgery, a staff room, an education room, gymnasium, shower and toilet area. Four cells are also located on this floor. The recreation-television room, games-pool room, laundry facilities and six cells are located on the third floor.
A range of medical, dental, optical, psychiatric, probation and welfare services are available to prisoners as required. It is policy to have single cell occupancy in the women's prison. However, increased numbers necessitate doubling up from time to time. Occasionally prisoners request doubling up, especially if they are in prison for the first time.
Education is provided in two rooms – a domestic science room and a general purpose room which contains computer equipment. Classes are provided subject to the demands of the prisoners and the courses pursued include computers, art, philosophy, drama, basic cookery, assertiveness courses, English to junior and leaving certificate level and crafts.
There is a room with a television and video and a sub-library. Prisoners can order particular reading material from the main prison library or from Limerick city library.
I accept that the present accommodation is not adequate and plans to provide replacement accommodation are at an advanced stage. The new facility will have the following features: single cell accommodation with attention to prisoners safety features; integral sanitation in all cells; medical surgery; visiting facilities; shower facilities; a full range of education, work training and physical education facilities; indoor and outdoor recreation; the new accommodation will meet current statutory regulations in respect of hygiene, health and safety, including fire safety.
This new facility is envisaged as a short to medium term solution for accommodating females at Limerick Prison, pending the development of plans for a new purpose built unit on the prison site to be constructed when financial resources permit.