Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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195. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if in view of the report by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture following their visit to Cork Prison in 2010, he will indicate if there has been an increase in the frequency of showers taken by prisoners since 2010; the current average frequency of showers taken by prisoners in each part of the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32620/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that extra showers were installed on A1, A2, and A3 landings (3 shower cubicles in each unit) and that showers are now available in all areas of Cork Prison. Furthermore, the main prison shower area can cater for 10 prisoners at a time and the prison gym also has 6 showers which are open daily.

As the Deputy will be aware, legislation to give development consent for a new prison facility for Cork has been approved by this House and will be considered by the Seanad in the coming days.  The main purpose of the new prison facility is to replace the substandard prison accommodation in Cork and the new facility will include shower facilities in each individual cell.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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196. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if in view of the report by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture following their visit to Cork Prison in 2010, he will indicate the number of occasions on which the 7.5 m² cells were used to accommodate more than one prisoner; the number of occasions on which the 9 m² cells were used to accommodate two or more prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32621/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the collation of the information, as requested, for the time period since 2010 would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

I am, however, in a position to advise the Deputy of the position in Cork Prison on 2 July, 2013 which is set out in the following table.

As the Deputy will be aware, legislation to give development consent for a new prison facility for Cork city has been approved by this House and is now awaiting consideration by the Seanad.  The main purpose of the new prison facility is to replace the substandard prison accommodation in Cork and to provide a modern prison designed on the principles of rehabilitation and resettlement.

The investment being made in the development of a new modern prison facility in Cork is a significant commitment by the Government given the current economic pressures being experienced. The new modern prison, including cells which are approximately 12m², and have full in-cell sanitation and showering facilities, will end the practice of slopping out and also provide the infrastructure necessary for the education and rehabilitation of prisoners thus enhancing public safety.

All cells will be fully compliant with the standards for double occupancy as set down by the Inspector of Prisons.