Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 November 2004
105 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases for compensation lodged to date by serving or former prisoners arising from the lack of in-cell sanitation; his views on the claims lodged; when he expects that all prisons will be fully equipped with in-cell sanitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27249/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraApproximately 400 letters have been received in my Department from solicitors representing former and serving inmates in this State alleging that their clients' human rights have been violated due to the practice of slopping out. The majority of cases relate to inmates imprisoned in Cork, Limerick and Portlaoise. I am awaiting legal advice from the Attorney General on the matter and cannot comment further other than to say that it is my intention to vigorously contest the claims.
A new accommodation block for Portlaoise Prison is currently the subject of a tender competition and it is anticipated that construction works will commence in 2005 and be completed by 2007. As the costs and operational issues of retro-fitting in-cell sanitation in Mountjoy Prison and Cork Prison is prohibitive, the Irish Prison Service is looking to develop new state-of-the-art prison facilities on greenfield sites. In the case of Mountjoy Prison, a process is under way to identify suitable sites near Dublin. In regard to Cork Prison, my officials and the Office of Public Works are examining plans for a new prison development on Spike Island.
