Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
488. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide a timeframe on the opening of the new women's prison in Limerick; the reason for the current delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22572/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the opening of the new standalone female wing of Limerick Prison is an organisational priority for the Irish Prison Service and for my Department. Significant workforce planning is underway to enable the opening as soon as possible.
In order to open the new standalone wing and ensure that the women are safely accommodated there, significant numbers of additional staff are required. These staff will come through a combination of both direct recruitment and transfers from across the Prison estate and these processes take time.
I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that once the resources are in place, the new female wing of Limerick Prison will be opened without delay. The Prison Service expect to be able open Limerick Female Prison this July.
