Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 1 Mar 2000

Vol. 515 No. 4

Written Answers. - Prisons Building Programme.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

91 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Finance the position of the new Cloverhill Prison, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, which was constructed by an outside contractor appointed by the Office of Public Works; if his attention has been drawn to the media reports claiming that the prison's security systems have failed a number of technical tests; the dates on which these tests took place; if he will confirm or refute these allegations of failure; the additional works, if any, required on the security systems; and when the prison will be fully operational. [6399/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Mr. Cullen)

In accordance with international practice, the governor of works in the Prison Service undertakes the fitting of all locking in a prison after the contract is complete.

The security systems on the pass doors in Cloverhill Prison continue to be commissioned and monitored until they operate to the satisfaction of the prison governor. Problems associated with the fire safety alarm are being addressed. The safety and control systems in a modern prison must conform to a multiplicity of tests and must operate satisfactorily in conjunction with one another. The Commissioners of Public Works, the Director General of the Prisons Service and his staff, and the developer have been making every effort to rectify all outstanding issues.

There are currently 100 prisoners in Cloverhill and prisoners continue to be transferred there.