Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in prison and the number in each institution; the total number of prisoners not held in single cells or rooms and the number of these in each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36792/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is not possible, in the time available, to provide a full breakdown of the information sought by the Deputy. My Department is in the process of collating this information which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in total and in each institution that are at present in custody; the number required to slop out; the number required to use normal toilet facilities in the presence of others; the number that are sole occupants of a cell that has a normal flush toilet installed or have access at all times to normal toilet facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36793/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is not possible, in the time available, to provide a full breakdown of the information sought by the Deputy. My Department is in the process of collating this information which will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners, in total and in each institution, that are locked up for 23 hours or more in a normal day; for 22 to 23 hours in a normal day; for 20 to 22 hours in a normal day; for 18 to 20 hours in a normal day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36794/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table (as of 21 November, 2011).

The Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is the provision of safe and secure custody for prisoners. The majority of prisoners on lock up are those who would be considered to be under threat or "at risk" in the general population due for example to gangland feuding, drug debts, because they gave evidence in a court case or because of the nature of their offences, for example, those of a sexual nature.

Requests for protection or to be accommodated in separate areas from other identified persons may also arise as a result of a request from the prisoner or after consideration by Prison management. Significant numbers of what would be regarded as protection prisoners are accommodated on separate landings. These prisoners have access to a wide regime of activities including school, workshops, gym facilities, probation and chaplaincy services but do not mix with the general population in the prison and are not subject to a restricted regime.

It is at the committal stage that the majority of prisoners seek protection. All prisoners are interviewed by the Governor and based on the information available, a decision is made, as to where a particular prisoner will be accommodated. In some instances, prisoners are transferred to other establishments where they will not require protection.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of male and female prisoners under 21 years of age and the number in each of the institutions in which they are held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36795/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the total number of persons under 21 years of age in prison custody on 28th October, 2011 was 357. This figure is made up of 343 males and 14 females. The locations in which they are held is set out in the table.

The Irish Prison Service is aware of the need for an age-appropriate regime and endeavours to ensure continuity of services with systems of care reviewed in partnership with key agencies such as the Health Service Executive, Gardaí, Probation Service and the Irish Youth Justice Service.

As the figures illustrate, a significant percentage (51%) of prisoners in this age category are detained in St Patrick's Institution which is the State's designated committal institution for males aged 16 to 21 years of age and accommodates both remand and sentenced prisoners. 40 are under the age of 18 and accommodated in a special unit which opened in April 2007 specifically for the purpose of segregating 16 and 17 year old prisoners from adults.

The Irish Youth Justice Service has responsibility for all females under the age of 18 who are accommodated in Oberstown Girls School, Lusk. The balance of persons in the other institutions are generally located there in order to facilitate family visits or to assist in their reintegration back into the community.