Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 May 2014
562. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners under 21 years of age; the number in each of the institutions in which they are held; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21375/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table as of the 12 May 2014.
|
Prison |
17 years |
18 years |
19 years |
20 years |
|
Arbour Hill |
1 |
|||
|
Castlerea |
6 |
10 |
12 |
|
|
Cloverhill |
5 |
8 |
12 |
|
|
Cork |
6 |
6 |
7 |
|
|
Dochas |
||||
|
Limerick |
7 |
8 |
7 |
|
|
Loughan |
1 |
|||
|
Midlands |
4 |
7 |
22 |
|
|
Mountjoy |
2 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
Portlaoise |
2 |
2 |
5 |
|
|
St. Patricks |
2 |
|||
|
Shelton Abbey |
1 |
|||
|
Training Unit |
||||
|
Wheatfield |
7 |
18 |
23 |
19 |
|
Total |
9 |
50 |
69 |
97 |
In line with the recommendation of the Inspector of Prisons and in order to effect the changes necessary in regime and culture and to ensure the safe and secure custody, a decision was taken to close St. Patrick’s Institution and disperse all 17 - 20 year old prisoners and to other locations. Pending the development of new facilities in Oberstown in mid 2014, for which the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has responsibility, this involved the transfer of all 17 year olds serving a sentence in St. Patrick’s Institution to a dedicated Unit in Wheatfield Place of Detention and the transfer of the 18 to 20 year old population to Wheatfield Place of Detention also. Prisoners continue to be committed for a period of detention to St. Patrick’s Institution. They are accommodated in a dedicated committal and assessment unit for up to 24 hours (B Wing). From here, prisoners will be dispersed to Wheatfield Place of Detention. There are currently 2 remand prisoners currently 17 years of age who, for legal reasons, must remain in St. Patrick's Institution pending the completion of building works at Oberstown, County Dublin.
