David Stanton
Ceist:236 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the future of Spike Island prison in Cork Harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13712/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 27 April 2005
Ceisteanna (205)
Freagraí scríofa
As a result of the rejection by the members of the Prisoner Officers Association of the proposal for organisational change in the Prison Service, I have instructed the director general of the Prison Service to immediately close the current facilities on Spike Island and at the Curragh.
The Deputy will be aware that, following the Government decision of November 2003, these facilities were mothballed. The majority of the staff from both institutions were transferred to other prisons on a temporary basis while a small number of staff remained to provide security and essential maintenance. Arrangements are now in train to effect the transfer of all of the staff in question to other prisons on a permanent basis to further reduce overtime expenditure.
Officials from the Irish Prison Service, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works and professional advisers, are developing proposals for the construction of a new prison complex on Spike Island to replace the existing Cork Prison. The new facility will address the overcrowding and inadequate facilities associated with Cork Prison and will, in addition, offer significant improvements in the areas of work training, education and medical services as well as providing predominantly single cell accommodation with in-cell sanitation facilities.