asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, to build a high security prison.
Written Answers. - High Security Prison.
380.
As I stated to the House last November in my reply to the debate on a supplementary estimate for my Department, planning for a high security prison is proceeding and is now well advanced (Dáil Debates Volume 316 No. 13 column 2225). The prison will be located on lands adjacent to Portlaoise Prison and work on the site is expected to commence later on this year.
The accommodation being provided is intended to cater for high risk prisoners, some of whom, for several years past, have had to be kept in military custody in the Curragh. It will enable military custody of civilian prisoners to be terminated.
It will be necessary for me very shortly to come to the House for a final extension of section 2 of the Prisons Act, 1972 and on that occasion I will go more fully into this matter.