Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:137 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice when the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, relating to female prisoners, will be implimented; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Women Prisoners' Conditions.
Theresa Ahearn
Ceist:138 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Justice if she has satisfied herself with the condition of the refurbished women's prison in Mountjoy; the amount of money spent on the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 138 together.
As I have indicated in the House and elsewhere recently, I am at present reviewing policy in relation to the operation of prisons. That review will comprehend prison facilities and regimes together with, of course, issues such as the wider development of community-based sanction as an alternative to prison custody, the assessment of temporary release arrangements, etc. The Recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, relating to female offenders, will be fully considered in this context.
Refurbishment of the existing Women's Prison in Mountjoy, which I viewed recently, will bring about a significant improvement in the conditions which pertained for female offenders over the years. So far the cellular accommodation has been refurbished to a high standard, including the provision of sanitation facilities in each cell. This has already been achieved in D Wing of St. Patrick's Institution where female offenders are being housed while refurbishment of the Women's Prison is being undertaken.
Planning for the upgrading of the remainder of the accommodation to cater for ancillary facilities, including education, work-training and recreation, is at an advanced stage. The cost of the work undertaken so far is approximately £2.5 million.