Vol. 510 No. 4
177 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the new prison will open in Portlaoise; the number of staff required; the areas from which these staff will be relocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22827/99]
Construction of the main prison, which was to provide 400 places is almost complete. However, an additional wing is being added with a capacity of 115. Construction is due for completion in March 2000 giving a total capacity of 515.
The staffing level will be determined by assessing the specific operational needs of the institution. The exact staffing needs will be informed by the work of the staffing and operations review team, a dedicated team comprising prison service and Department officials which is examining the staffing at all prisons and places of detention. There will be a requirement for redeployment of staff to the new prison but it is planned to achieve this largely through voluntary transfers.
