Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Minister for his reply. It contains a great deal of information, which I look forward to reading in detail. This is a stand-alone project and it qualifies as a PPP in regard to its appraisal. The Minister stated the design, build and maintenance of the project would be undertaken by a private company. Does he propose that such a company will also run the campus? Does he propose to privatise the escort service and so on? Will consultants be hired and, if so, will the contract be put out to tender? The Minister stated the building will cost a minimum of €200 million to build but it will probably be double that if consideration is being given to the combined institutions. Is the proposed site of the Central Mental Hospital factored into the cost of the project or will the site only house a prison? Will the Minister or the Prison Service outline their plans in this regard to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights?

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