Vol. 414 No. 9
89 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice if he intends reviewing conditions for female prisoners serving long term sentences in Limerick prison; if he will ensure that such prisoners have access to proper (1) exercise (2) education (3) library (4) craft and (5) recreation facilities; and if he will ensure that immediate steps are taken to provide modern sanitary facilities there.
I am satisfied that conditions for female prisoners in Limerick Prison are satisfactory. At present there is only one female prisoner serving a long sentence there.
The following facilities are available;
(1) Exercise; Outdoor exercise is available in a yard which previously catered for 12 male prisoners. Gym is available inculding multi-gym, running machine etc. Prisoners have regular coaching from a qualified PE instructor.
(2) and (4) Education and Craft; The following education classes are offered — English (Literary), English (Advanced), Mathematics, Language (German), Creative Writing, Art, Health Education, History, Music (guitar, keyboard, tin whistle), Hairdressing, Open University, Crafts.
(3) Library; A separate sub-library is provided from the main prison library. Special reading requests are met by order from the Limerick City Library. Books are changed daily.
