Jonathan O'Brien
Question:116. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the prisons in which slopping out still takes place; and the cost of ending this practice in each prison. [12564/16]
View answerTuesday, 31 May 2016
Questions (116, 152)
Jonathan O'Brien
Question:152. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to ensure all prisoners have 24 hour access to private toilet facilities. [12669/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 152 together.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that as of the 12th February 2016, 98% of all prisoners have 24-hour access to toilet facilities. The number slopping out has decreased from 1,003 at the end of 2010 to just 56 on 7 April 2016, (Limerick 32 and Portlaoise 24).
I am further advised by the Irish Prison Service that construction of a new wing at Limerick prison is planned to commence in the first quarter of next year. The Irish Prison Service has also recently finalised a business case for the construction of a replacement for the E-Block at Portlaoise prison. Subject to the necessary approvals and the availability of finance it is hoped to commence construction works there in mid-2017. When these developments are complete the practice of slopping out will have been completely eradicated from all of the prison estate.