Bernard Durkan
Ceist:138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of extra prison spaces currently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28540/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 13 June 2013
Ceisteanna (138)
Freagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that on 12 June 2013, there were 4,225 prisoners in custody against a bed capacity of 4,419 which represented an occupancy level of 96%. The average number of prisoners in custody in Ireland has risen in the last five years, from 3,321 during 2007 to 4,318 during 2012, an increase of over 30%. Likewise, the total number of committals to prison has also risen sharply during the same period, from 11,934 in 2007 to 17,026 in 2012, an increase of over 43%. Significant investment has taken place in our prison estate in recent years, with in excess of 900 new prison spaces having been constructed and brought into use since 2007. Most recently, a new accommodation block at the Midlands Prison which has provided an additional 300 additional spaces, open in 2012. As outlined in the Irish Prison Service's three-year strategic plan, it is intended to align the capacity of our prisons with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons by 2014, in so far as this is compatible with public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. In 2012 and in the first quarter of this year, priority was given to reducing overcrowding in Mountjoy, Cork, Limerick Prisons and the Dóchas Centre.
The strategy also contains a commitment to implement a 40-month capital plan to provide in-cell sanitation in all cells and radically improve prison conditions in the older parts of the prison estate. Included in the plan is the replacement of Cork Prison with a new prison built on the site of the current car park and an adjacent greenfield site. The new prison will have an average daily capacity of approximately 275 prisoners, which is broadly similar to the current daily average. The plan also includes the proposed demolition of the early 19th century A and B blocks in Limerick Prison. Their replacement with modern accommodation and related facilities will eliminate the practice of slopping-out and alleviate the current overcrowding difficulties. As the Deputy will be aware, I have announced a number of initiatives and programmes to alleviate overcrowding in the prison system. The Irish Prison Service's three-year strategic plan outlines a number of measures to be undertaken including the Community Return Scheme, a closer working relationship with the Probation Service and a more structured approach to temporary release.