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Drugs in Prisons

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (544)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

544. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the institutions that operate drug free units; the number of spaces in each drug free unit; the number of prisoners in each drug free unit; the number of vacancies in each drug free unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/13]

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Written answers

I wish to inform the Deputy that there are currently Drug Free Units operational in 7 closed prisons: Mountjoy (Male), St. Patrick's Institution, Dochas Centre, Wheatfield, Cloverhill, Limerick, and Cork Prison. There is an aggregate total of 417 spaces in these Units, which currently house 380 prisoners with 39 vacancies. The breakdown of these aggregate figures is set out in the table below:

Prison

Spaces Available

Number of Prisoners in Drug Free Unit

Vacancies

Mountjoy Male

54

54

0

St. Patrick's Institution

19

15

4

Dochas Centre

58

49

9

Wheatfield

175

159

16

Cloverhill

52

52

0

Limerick

45

47

0

Cork

14

4

10

Total

417

380

39

The Deputy may be aware that, as part of the Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan 2012 - 2015, Drug Free Units are to be established in all closed prisons with the exception of Arbour Hill Prison. The Irish Prison Service anticipates that the establishment of these units will be completed by end 2013.

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