Vol. 515 No. 6
63 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the planned capacity of Cloverhill Prison; the number of prisoners currently held there; the number of prison officers currently serving there; the remaining faults delaying the operation of the prison; the plans, if any, he has to seek compensation from the contractor for the delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6856/00]
The capacity of Cloverhill Prison is 400. Currently, there are 100 prisoners detained in the prison and this number will increase to 150 by 15 March moving upwards to 200 within a month of St. Patrick's Day. The number of staff at Cloverhill is 102. This staffing complement will cater for a prisoner population of up to 120.
I am hopeful that the remaining difficulties in Cloverhill can be resolved shortly. I am informed by the director general of the Prison Service that the Office of Public Works is arranging to have the existing fire alarm system replaced over the next two months with a more reliable and secure system.
I am not seeking compensation at this time. It should be noted that the contract is between the Office of Public Works and the contractors.
