Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
140. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the closure of the training unit in Mountjoy Prison; if the activities which had taken place in the training unit will be relocated to another part of the prison; and if she will provide details of same. [21802/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service has commenced the repurposing of the Training Unit Place of Detention (on the Mountjoy Prison Campus) to a dedicated Unit for older prisoners. A key action of the current Irish Prison Service Strategic Plan (Action 2.5) is to ensure that older prisoners are identified as a specific group who have particular needs within the prison population. There are currently a number of such prisoners in the care of the Irish Prison Service who have significant and ongoing healthcare needs, many of whom are currently dispersed across the estate and in some cases significant distances away from the healthcare providers they rely on. The establishment of the unit will allow the Irish Prison Service to accommodate such prisoners in a purpose built unit within close proximity to a variety of medical care facilities and will also allow for appropriate remedial works to the accommodation. It is envisaged that the repurposing of the unit will take 18-24 months to complete. During this time, it will be necessary to accommodate current prisoners elsewhere in the prison estate, primarily within the Mountjoy Campus. It is intended that prisoners who are currently on programmes of temporary release will be facilitated in continuing with such programmes.
