Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which overcrowding remains an issue in both male and female prisons throughout the country; if measures are in hand to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44385/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is to provide safe and secure custody for prisoners. The Deputy will also be aware that the Prison Service must accept all persons committed by the courts into custody and does not have the option of refusing committals.
As outlined in the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan, it is intended to align the capacity of our prisons with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons in 2014, in so far as this is compatible with public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The Inspector of Prisons has recommended a total of 3,982 prisoners in custody. As of 16 November 2014 there were 3,739 prisoners in custody, or 94% of the Inspector's recommended total.
A full breakdown to include, capacity, number in custody and percentage of bed capacity is set out in the following table as of November 16th 2014.
|
Institution |
Bed Capacity |
Number in Custody |
% of Bed Capacity |
|
Mountjoy Campus |
- |
- |
- |
|
Mountjoy (M) |
548 |
536 |
97% |
|
Mountjoy (F) |
105 |
111 |
106% |
|
Training Unit |
96 |
80 |
83% |
|
St Patrick’s |
34 |
7 |
21% |
|
West Dublin Campus |
- |
- |
- |
|
Cloverhill |
431 |
360 |
84% |
|
Wheatfield |
550 |
482 |
88% |
|
Portlaoise Campus |
- |
- |
- |
|
Midlands |
870 |
800 |
92% |
|
Portlaoise |
291 |
234 |
80% |
|
Cork |
210 |
218 |
104% |
|
Limerick (M) |
220 |
225 |
102% |
|
Limerick (F) |
28 |
27 |
96% |
|
Castlerea |
340 |
317 |
93% |
|
Arbour Hill |
142 |
139 |
98% |
|
Loughan House |
140 |
105 |
75% |
|
Shelton Abbey |
115 |
98 |
85% |
|
Totals |
4,126 |
3,739 |
91% |
The Deputy will be aware that the average number of prisoners in custody in Ireland has risen in recent 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%.
2013 saw the first significant decrease in prison numbers since 2007. There were 15,735 committals to prison in 2013 which was a decrease of 7.6% on the 2012 figure.
In addition, a 40 month capital programme is being implemented to eliminate slopping out and to improve prison conditions in the older part of the prison estate. I am advised by my officials that work is continuing on the modernisation project at Mountjoy prison. "D" Wing is the last wing in Mountjoy requiring refurbishment and on the completion of this, all cells in Mountjoy prison will have in cell sanitation facilities. Works commenced in early June, 2014 with a completion date of the second quarter in 2015. This will eliminate slopping out in Mountjoy Prison by 2015. Planning is continuing in respect of the refurbishment and modernisation of "D" Wing workshops.
In relation to Cork Prison, a contract for the construction of a new prison to replace the existing facility was awarded late last year and construction began in January, 2014 with a completion date on the third quarter of 2015.
The Business Case for the Limerick Prison redevelopment project was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in June of last year and approval has been received to advance the project to detailed design stage.
Finally, I can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service published a joint Strategic Plan for 2013-2015. Both agencies are working together and have developed a strategy which ensures a more targeted response to women offenders which it is hoped will reduce overcrowding in female prisons. These measures include:
- identifying and diverting women at risk of a custodial sentence through greater use of community sanctions, supports and inter-agency co-operation;
- strengthening early intervention measures in the community through adopting a co-ordinated multi-agency approach;
- improving outcomes for women currently in custody;
- exploring the potentials of women centric alternatives to custody;
- development of a suitable step down facility for women offenders, a pathway such as this from the Dóchas Centre to the community would have a positive effect on reducing the numbers in the Dóchas Centre;
- enhanced co-operation with the community and voluntary sector.
