Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2013
156. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide information on the current number of prisoners occupying cells in the new block in Midlands Prison, County Laois; the extent to which the new block is currently being utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24886/13]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the opening of the new block is taking place over a phased basis. On 21 May 2013, there were 726 prisoners in custody in the Midlands Prison. Of these, 197 prisoners were occupying cells in the new block across four of the six wings. Plans to open the remaining wings are progressing and are dependent on the finalisation of the joint Task Review reports for the Mountjoy campus and the recruitment of Prison Administrative and Support Officers.
