Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 2

Written Answers. - Prisoner Escape.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

79 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the circumstances of the recent escape of a prisoner from a holding cell in the Four Courts complex; if it has been established the way in which the cell windows were reported to have been cut through; and the steps, if any, being taken to improve security arrangements in the building. [11533/99]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 79 together.

The prisoner concerned was escorted to the High Court for a bail application on 12 April 1999. He was placed in a holding room for prisoners which is between High Court No. 1 and High Court No. 2 in the main Four Courts building. This room is not a purpose built holding cell. The wire grill on the exterior of the window in the holding room had been tampered with and this facilitated the prisoner in making good his escape. The wire grill had been tampered with from the outside prior to this date by a person or persons unknown. The prisoner was apprehended by gardaí on 14 April 1999 and was returned to Mountjoy Prison.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the circumstances surrounding the escape are the subject of a criminal investigation and a file is being prepared for the DPP. Accordingly, it is not possible to comment further on the details of the escape.

In the light of the escape a number of initiatives are being taken to improve the security arrangements in the Four Courts. On the day the incident took place I asked the Garda authorities, in conjunction with the Courts authorities to undertake an immediate review of prisoner security at the Four Courts complex. Officials of my Department, the Office of Public Works and Courts management met with members of the Garda Crime Prevention Unit and I understand that the Garda authorities will be recommending a number of measures to be implemented immediately to improve security at the Four Courts. In addition, a more detailed study of the security arrangements is being undertaken and any recommendations made in this security review will be implemented in full.

In September, 1997 purpose built holding cells were provided in the Chancery Place block of the Four Courts with access to and from the holding cells and to the Courts in the building without coming into contact with the public. It is also planned to provide additional purpose built holding cells in the basement of the Old Public Records building later this year. My Department is in consultation with the Office of Public Works regarding the possibility of providing additional purpose built holding cell accommodation in the main Four Courts building.

It should also be noted that the new remand prison and courthouse in Cloverhill will be coming on stream later this year and this will alleviate the pressure on holding cell accommodation in the Four Courts as it is intended that High Court bail applications will be heard in the courthouse beside Cloverhill Prison. The new Cloverhill courthouse has proper holding cell accommodation.