asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, in relation to the proposed new prison in Clondalkin, County Dublin, when it is planned to commence building; the category of prisoners proposed for this prison and if it will have a psychiatric unit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Dublin Prison.
24.
As I announced on 9 November 1979, I propose to provide on 35 acres of land owned by my Department at Wheatfield, which is located about two miles from Clondalkin, a modern prison for 60 women and, entirely separate from this, a modern place of detention for 120 male juveniles. Building will commence shortly. Both places will have a full range of facilities for health, education, work training, counselling and recreation.
In the new places of custody there will be arrangements with the health boards, as there are for the existing places of custody, whereby visiting consultant psychiatrists hold sessions to help persons in custody who suffer from psychiatric maladjustment of one sort or another but who are not certifiable.
A person in custody who is certified to be psychiatrically ill must be transferred forthwith to a mental hospital.
Can the Minister tell the House the extent of the buildings on the 35-acre site and if he or officers of his Department would be prepared to meet local residents before building will commence to discuss with them the fears which they have expressed?
The first part of the Deputy's supplementary question was the extent of the building. A formal announcement was made by me on the plans of the Government and the Department of Justice for two centres which are being built out on the Wheatfield Farm. As the Deputy knows, a prison to accommodate up to 60 women and a centre for 120 male juveniles are being built. These are the buildings. As the Deputy probably knows, I had a long meeting, three-and-a-half to four hours, with the residents from the area in the month of January last. I explained to them what I was doing, what I had to do and I asked them to convey to those whom they represented the points of view offered by me. I know for certain that during the course of that meeting I did everything that a person could humanly possibly do to allay genuine but mistaken fears that they had with regard to what is going ahead in that area. I felt that I had got through to the deputation and explained everything in great detail to them. If they want to come and see me again—the second part of the Deputy's supplementary question—they will be very welcome. I will meet with them and I will discuss with them.
The Minister has not stated the area of ground which the buildings will take up.
The Department of Justice bought a farm comprising 35 acres broken up in two parts, as the Deputy probably is aware, at either side of the main road. The entire holding is 35 acres. The architects, who are professionals, will lay out the design of the institutions we are building and will decide how these grounds are to be used. We have shown models and plans to interested persons. Everything is there for everybody to see and the Deputy and anybody else who wishes, is welcome to come into the Department of Justice to view what we can show.
It does not seem to have allayed the fears of the local residents. Since the Minister met them they have had a public protest.
I accept that. I am saddened that the assurances given on behalf of the Government, on very definite mistaken ideas they had have not been accepted by some of the people on that Committee. I was further saddened by the attitude of one member of that deputation which I met who less than half way through the meeting said "it does not matter what you say, we will tear it down block by block". It is a pity that that was the attitude. I respectfully ask every Member of this House, irrespective of party, to use their influence and goodwill to see to it that this much needed facility is allowed to go ahead as quickly as possible.