The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table (as of 21 November, 2011).
Prison/Place of Detention
|
Number in custody on 18-20 hour lock up
|
Number in custody on 20-22 hour lock up
|
Number in custody on 22-23 hour lock up
|
Number in custody on 23 hours or more lock up
|
Arbour Hill
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Castlerea
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
25
|
Cloverhill
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
Cork
|
20
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
Dóchas Centre
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Limerick
|
0
|
0
|
25
|
0
|
Loughan House
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Midlands
|
4
|
5
|
0
|
28
|
Mountjoy
|
64
|
0
|
0
|
59
|
Portlaoise
|
0
|
0
|
23
|
0
|
Shelton Abbey
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
St. Patrick’s Institution
|
0
|
42
|
0
|
2
|
Training Unit
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Wheatfield
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
63
|
Total
|
88
|
47
|
51
|
178
|
The Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is the provision of safe and secure custody for prisoners. The majority of prisoners on lock up are those who would be considered to be under threat or "at risk" in the general population due for example to gangland feuding, drug debts, because they gave evidence in a court case or because of the nature of their offences, for example, those of a sexual nature.
Requests for protection or to be accommodated in separate areas from other identified persons may also arise as a result of a request from the prisoner or after consideration by Prison management. Significant numbers of what would be regarded as protection prisoners are accommodated on separate landings. These prisoners have access to a wide regime of activities including school, workshops, gym facilities, probation and chaplaincy services but do not mix with the general population in the prison and are not subject to a restrictedregime.
It is at the committal stage that the majority of prisoners seek protection. All prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and based on the information available, a decision is made, as to where a particular prisoner will be accommodated. In some instances, prisoners are transferred to other establishments where they will not require protection.