Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 December 2016
67. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the names of all Garda stations within urban centres with populations in excess of 20,000 persons which are not capable of holding prisoners due to the cells being condemned and below legal standards within the regulations which govern persons in custody. [40202/16]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation. This includes identifying and progressing any necessary remedial or refurbishment works required at individual stations and I, as Minister, have no role in these matters.
With respect to the Deputy's specific query, I have requested the information sought and will revert to the Deputy when I have it to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 14 December 2016, in relation to custody facilities in Garda Stations.
As you will recall, the information you requested could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to contact you again when it was to hand.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Office of Public Works is undertaking a national Programme to upgrade cell accommodation across the Garda estate. I understand that, to date, the cells in 59 Garda stations have been upgraded under the Programme, nine cell refurbishment projects are currently ongoing and seven contracts are expected to be awarded early in 2017. In addition, refurbishment works for cells in twenty-eight Garda stations are currently in the planning/pre-tender stage.
I am assured that, within every Garda Division, there are adequate custody facilities to meet legal standards.
