Tony Gregory
Question:246 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, timescale, costs and so on for the redevelopment of Mountjoy Prison, Dublin 7. [12836/01]
Written Answers - Prisons Building Programme.
Mountjoy Prison, like almost all of our older prison stock, is long overdue major refurbishment. Many parts of the prison are largely unchanged since the 1850s. The absence of in-cell sanitation throughout large sections of the prison is a particular concern in this regard. I have been in a position to ensure the commencement of refurbishment programmes in some of our other older prisons such as Limerick and Cork. Mountjoy, however, due to its location and the fact that the site accommodates four separate institutions is unique. Any major development there must be planned on an integrated basis with the overall needs of the prison service and the criminal justice system in mind. It is also a fact that much of the development of the site over the last 20 to 30 years or so has been carried out on an ad hoc basis, often in response to short-term requirements and difficulties such as vast overcrowding due to lack of investment in prison spaces in the past.
In late 1999, therefore, I approved the establishment of the Mountjoy complex redevelopment group as a consultative body to plan the development of the complex and custodial regimes in the redeveloped prison. The group consists of a multidisciplinary team of officials from areas that deal with the complex and its prisoners. The terms of reference of the group included a commitment to: develop a complete description of the treatment and custodial regimes that will be required for the target population to be detained in Mountjoy Prison; identify the strengths, assets and potential of Mountjoy Prison and the Mountjoy Prison complex within the whole prison and probation system and also the wider community and outline a plan for achieving an optimum regime; prepare an outline description with drawings of a building that would meet the requirements which have been identified.
I have since received two reports from the group, both of which I have published. The group's second report was published, with my approval, last month. It contains a number of specific proposals and recommendations for the future development and use of the Mountjoy complex, which currently comprises Mountjoy Prison, the Training Unit, St. Patrick's Institution and the Female Prison. The proposed new development will accommodate up to 723 prisoners, excluding the Female Prison, committed from the courts in the Leinster area in house units rather than in the traditional cell blocks. The complex will contain separate induction and pre-release facilities as well as adjoining "halfway house" accommodation for pre-release and newly released offenders. Overall, the complex will assume a pivotal role in drug treatment service provision in the prison system. A full range of services, including chaplaincy, welfare, education and vocational training for prisoners, will also be provided on an integrated basis within the complex.
Architecturally, what is proposed is not dissimilar to the new Female Prison which was opened in 1999. Overall, the design of the buildings will maximise the potential afforded by open space and light with an emphasis on reducing the institutional effect while maintaining security. The most historical architectural features at the prison, including the central block and the landmark twin granite chimney towers, would be retained under this plan.
Since publication of the latest group report, I have asked the Prisons Service to expand its review and planning activity to address the major overflow problem emerging at the Dóchas Centre, Mountjoy. Committals of women to prison from the courts have exceeded all expectations over the past few months. Despite doubling the number of spaces for women prisoners, committals on remand especially have surged beyond any past experience. Whatever the cause, and many factors are at play here, the Prisons Service must and will make adequate provision for this group in the shorter term.
An estimate of the capital cost of construction and of the operation of the proposed development is being prepared. When this is available and having considered various views expressed on the proposal, I intend to bring the matter to Government for approval to proceed with the first phase of the development. I expect that the entire project will take approximately eight years to complete.
I confirm my intention to engage in consultations with all interested parties, including the staff and residents in the area, who may be affected by the development over the coming years.