asked the Minister for Justice when work will commence on the provision of new offices and stores at Portlaoise prison, County Laois, where the necessary expenditure has already been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Portlaoise Prison Construction Projects.
63.
Several construction projects are already in progress in Portlaoise Prison and, for security reasons, there is a limit to the amount of building work that can go on there at any one time. Priority must at all times be given to projects which are related to the security of the prison rather than to projects designed to improve facilities generally. The project referred to in the question falls into the latter category and at this stage it is not possible to say exactly when it will be commenced. I can say only that the intention is that it should proceed as soon as possible.