Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late. I was at the convention centre earlier because the Minister for Justice was before the Dáil. I am sorry for not being here for our guests' presentation.

I wish to quickly raise three issues. The old prison in Cork has been closed and a brand new one built. It was a very good project and well delivered. What is the plan for the old prison? Are plans already in place there?

I also raise the matter of healthcare costs in prisons. I understand that quite a number of people in prison have hepatitis C. I understand that there is a healthcare programme over 12 weeks that can leave prisoners completely clear of hepatitis C if they stick to it. I understand the programme has now been introduced in Cork. The product involved is also manufactured in Cork. Are we doing enough for the healthcare of prisoners? Some people are in prison for six months, 12 months or three years. A 12-week programme of constant treatment can resolve an issue for them forever.

I will also touch on a matter relating to compensation and legal costs for claims. The figures for 2018 and 2019 are set out in the report. There were 94 claims by prison staff. I am not sure when those claims were made. Were they actually made in 2019 or were they finalised in that year? There were 26 claims for criminal injuries compensation, and 175 claims arising out of injuries and other actions involving prisoners. There were 40 claims from members of the public. We are only given the number of claims per year in this report because it deals with the financial aspect. Will our guests give us an idea of what numbers, on average, we are having in claims per annum from prison officers, prisoners and members of the public? Over the next few years, are we going to have an increase in the level of compensation in this area? Our guests might give us some details on that.