Prison Service

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Questions (119, 120)

Thomas Gould

Question:

119. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the number of prison cells still slopping out by prison in tabular form. [5234/22]

View answer

Thomas Gould

Question:

120. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the year in which slopping out was stopped by prison in tabular form. [5235/22]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the table below.

The Irish Prison Service committed in its strategic plan to the elimination of the practice referred colloquially as ‘slopping out’, through the provision of in cell sanitation in the older parts of the prison estate where that practice remains.

A number of major capital projects have been undertaken over the years with the primary objective of eliminating ‘slopping out’ as well as upgrading the cellular accommodation in those prisons.

A major refurbishment of Mountjoy Prison was completed in 2014 which included the provision of in cell sanitation and upgrade of the cellular accommodation. In 2016 a new purpose designed modern prison opened in Cork replacing the old prison facility. Similarly a major construction project is currently nearing completion at Limerick Prison which will provide a new accommodation block for male and female prisoners, along with relevant rehabilitation and support facilities and will end the practice of slopping out at Limerick Prison. I understand that ‘slopping out’ in Limerick should cease in early Q3 2022. However, this timeframe assumes no further impact by Covid on supply chain or construction staff

Exploratory engineering surveys have been undertaken at E block, Portlaoise Prison to explore the options of providing in-cell sanitation along with other work to upgrade the cellular accommodation having regard to the age and fabric of the building.

I can advise the Deputy that a contract has been awarded for the construction of a sample cell at E block. The outcome of this project and future operational requirements will help inform further action in this regard.

Prison	In cell sanitation was provided fully	Number of cells without in cell sanitation	Number of prisoners without in cell sanitation in their cell
Arbour Hill	1997	None	None
Cork Prison	2016	None	None
Limerick Prison	B block demolished 2019	23	19
Mountjoy Prison	2014	None	None
Portlaoise Prison	D block demolished 2019	Approximately 130 cells in E block	19*

*A number of cells are used for other purposes, such as workshops, meeting rooms and stores.

E block traditionally has a low level of occupancy as the majority of prisoners at Portlaoise are detained in the modern C block which has in cell sanitation.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 119.