P. J. Sheehan
Ceist:44 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to provide additional prison accommodation.
Written Answers. - Additional Prison Accommodation.
Eamon Gilmore
Ceist:80 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice if additional prison places will be provided at Wheatfield prison, Dublin 22; if so, if she will give the categories of offenders for which these places are likely to be used; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 80 together.
As I have indicated on a number of occasions recently, I am currently engaged in a comprehensive review of prisons strategy and requirements, which involves an examination of the need for an expansion of custodial accommodation, and also for an expansion of the options for dealing with offenders outside the prison environment. While the review has not been completed — and I have no wish to prejudice the outcome of the review — the indications are that a requirement for 150 to 200 additional cell places is involved. No decision has yet been taken as regards location.