Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jun 2000

Vol. 520 No. 3

Written Answers. - Prison Accommodation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total planned capacity of Cloverhill prison; the number of prisoners currently held there; the progress, if any, that has been made in sorting out the problems with the fire alarm system; if all procedures are now in place to allow courts to remand prisoners directly to Cloverhill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15427/00]

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

The capacity of Cloverhill Prison is 400. Currently, there are 221 prisoners detained in Cloverhill. All difficulties regarding the fire alarm system have been rectified.

A direction, designating Cloverhill as a remand institution was signed by me on Tuesday 16 May 2000. The direction came into effect on Monday 22 May and enables the courts to remand prisoners directly to Cloverhill from that date.