Vol. 536 No. 6
128 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total capacity of the new Midland Prison and the number currently being held there; the steps which are being taken to deal with reported serious problems relating to failures with electronic locks and other security failures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/01]
The capacity of the new Midlands Prison is 515. There are 231 prisoners currently detained there. In line with international practice in opening a new prison, the number of prisoners in custody is being increased on a phased basis and the prison should be fully operational by late summer. There are no security failures in the prison. Some work is, however, taking place in order to maximise the operating efficiency of a number of gates within the prison which are controlled by electronic audio-visual systems. A very short delay was occurring in a small number of these gates, when they were being opened simultaneously.
