Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Under the recently published Infrastructure and Capital Investment programme 2012-2016, the justice sector allocation for 2012 is €56 million. This represents a 30% reduction on the current year's allocation of €80 million. While detailed planning for 2012 is in the process of being finalised, it is important that this allocation is utilised in such a manner as to drive the maximum value possible and have the greatest impact.

Our key priority for 2012 is to address the issue of overcrowding and conditions in prisons. The lion's share of the 2012 allocation, €24.1million, is therefore targeted at addressing these issues within the Prison Service and will result in several major projects being undertaken or completed during 2012. Work will continue on the completion of a new wing in the Midlands Prison, which will result in an additional 300 spaces becoming available. In addition, renovations will be undertaken on B wing in Mountjoy Prison with the result that by the end of the year, almost 60% of cells will have in–cell sanitation. Other general infrastructural projects to be undertaken by the Prison Service in 2012 include the upgrading and enhancement of fire detection and CCTV systems and the development of key information technology systems.

Within the Courts Service Vote, building renovation and upgrading projects will commence at Wexford, Waterford, Mullingar, Portlaoise and Dundalk. There will be additional project work undertaken on information technology systems in order to facilitate the implementation of the Fines Act 2010, which will allow for fines to be paid by instalment.

In respect of the Justice Vote for 2012, I intend to continue with the development of a DNA database by the Forensic Science Laboratory. I also intend to explore how best the completion of the building of the new laboratory and office accommodation for the Office of the State Pathologist, which is a partnership project with Dublin City Council, can be progressed having regard to the limited capital sum available. The current works are suspended due to the original developer being placed in receivership and the project will need to be re-tendered in order to proceed.

On the Garda Síochána and Property Registration Authority Votes, the focus is on the efficient and effective delivery of services. In keeping with this aim, the majority of expenditure on these Votes will be on the development and maintenance of information technology and communications systems.

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