Vol. 571 No. 2
297 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he believes that it is just to privatise prisons in view of the fact that corporations that imprison people for profit depend upon greater numbers of people to be imprisoned in order to maximise that profit. [21377/03]
298 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he believes that the privatisation of prisons meets with international approval and best practice. [21378/03]
300 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans the Government has to introduce privatised prisons in Ireland. [21380/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 298 and 300 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Prison Service has for some time been in negotiation with the Prison Officers Association on a new deal to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of our prisons and reduce costs. The package of measures under negotiation does not refer to any proposal for privatised prisons. The present focus of the proposals is to ensure continued capacity of publicly managed prisons to deliver an efficient and effective service. The existing cost structure of the prison service is unsustainable, and in the absence of agreement the Government will decide urgently on measures to significantly reduce costs. I very much hope that agreement can be reached very soon, and that the necessary progress can be made on the basis of consensus.
