Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Midlands Prison.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

54 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will designate the new midlands prison at Portlaoise as a special drugs prison for drug addicts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/99]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

It is not my intention to designate the new midlands prison at Portlaoise as a special prison for drug addicted offenders. The new prison, which will open next year, will initially have 400 places rising to 515 when fully operational. The prison will be used to accommodate male offenders from the Leinster area.

I am informed by the director general of the prison service that he is fully committed to tackling drug abuse in a comprehensive way in our prisons. An action plan has been drafted which provides a detailed strategy to enhance the level of treatment for drug addicted offenders. This includes the expansion of detoxification facilities, more drug free areas and the provision of methadone maintenance where this is considered medically appropriate. This strategy will be also applied in the new midlands prison as required.