Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 3

Written Answers. - Irish Prison Service.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

61 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the transfer of prisoners to other locations following the proposed closure of Fort Mitchell and the Curragh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28246/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

The cost structure of the Prison Service cannot be sustained. As the Deputy is aware, management proposals on more efficient work practices and the elimination of overtime have been put to the Prison Officers Association. I want agreement to be reached on the way forward, but if it cannot be reached the Government has approved the progressive implementation of certain cost reduction measures from 1 January 2004, including the mothballing of Fort Mitchel and the Curragh Places of Detention.

If this comes into effect, it is intended that the offenders in Fort Mitchel will, in the main, be transferred to Cork and Limerick Prisons and to St. Patrick's Institution. The majority of offenders currently detained in the Curragh Place of Detention will be moved to the Midlands Prison. The newly-built block in Limerick Prison has room for up to 100 prisoners and could accommodate all of the current Fort Mitchel population of 83 prisoners. It would not be a simple case of moving the Fort Mitchel population as a unit to Limerick Prison, however, as some offenders would be more suitable for St. Patrick's Institution in Dublin. Some movement of existing prisoners from Cork Prison to Limerick Prison would also be likely, which would facilitate the placement of some of the Fort Mitchel population in Cork Prison. While the majority of offenders detained in Fort Mitchel would be moved to Limerick Prison, each case would be looked at individually to effect a transfer which is most appropriate. Staff transfers would also take place at the same time.

The prisoners detained in the Curragh Place of Detention would, in the main, move to the much more modern Midlands Prison some 20 miles away. Accommodation is available there for this purpose but it has not been possible until now to bring this into operation due to the lack of available staff under existing rostering arrangements. The transfer of staff from the Curragh Place of Detention to the Midlands Prison would facilitate the commissioning of these facilities. Prisoners will not be disadvantaged by any proposed move as educational and other opportunities will be available in the more modern facilities at the new locations. The proposed mothballing of the places of detention at Fort Mitchel and the Curragh would temporarily reduce the number of spaces available to the prison service by a total of 204. This would be almost fully offset by bringing into commission the additional accommodation available in the Limerick and Midlands Prisons.

I stress that I do not want to close any of our prison institutions and I reiterate that this action is not being taken lightly. If it is necessary, it will be done solely because the Irish Prison Service cannot continue to spend public money feeding an overtime culture which has gone out of control and is sustaining inefficient work practices.