I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 196 to 200, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware it is proposed to construct a new prison in Cork on a site adjacent to the existing prison facility there.
The new facility in Cork will be built on a site immediately adjacent to the existing prison and will house 275 prisoners and have a maximum capacity of 310 prisoners. Prior to giving my approval for the project to proceed, the need for the new prison and the alternatives to constructing it were fully considered by my Department following submission to me of a business case prepared by the Irish Prison Service. The Deputy will know that although there are many alternatives to prison there will always be a need for prison accommodation.
I am advised that the cells in the new facility, which will be double occupancy cells, will be approximately 12m², have full in-cell sanitation and showering facilities and will be fully compliant with the standards for double occupancy as set down by the Inspector of Prisons. I am further advised that it is the intention of the Irish Prison Service to separate remand and sentenced prisoners in the new prison proposed for Cork.
The new facility will have a modern visiting area which will, in so far as is practicable, accommodate visitors and prisoners in a relaxed atmosphere that will lend itself well to bringing children in to visit family members who are imprisoned in Cork. Equally, the medical, educational and training facilities will allow for the provision of appropriate medical and rehabilitative programmes for prisoners.
In relation to the future of the existing prison, I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it will be "mothballed" i.e. it will be kept secure and maintained until a feasibility study has been completed and a decision on its future is taken as part of the next Capital Expenditure Plan for the Irish Prison Service.
For the project to proceed, development consent will have to be secured from the Oireachtas, in accordance with the provisions of Part 4 of the Prisons Act 2007, in due course. This will require me to move a draft resolution in both Houses of the Oireachtas under Section 26 of the Prisons Act which, if approved, will be confirmed by an Act of the Oireachtas.