Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister proposes to move a draft Oireachtas resolution under section 26 of the Prisons Act 2007 to give development consent for the proposed new prison in Cork. After the resolution has been approved, it has to be confirmed by an Act of the Oireachtas. The confirmation Bill will be published after the resolution is passed. The Minister is anxious that the resolution be passed by both Houses before the summer recess in order that the tendering process for the construction of the new prison can proceed. There is an urgent need to proceed with this because the situation in Cork Prison is simply not acceptable, with chronic overcrowding and inadequate prison conditions. For that reason, the Minister is anxious that the taking of the resolution be given priority in the ordering of the House’s business. Once it comes back from the committee, I see no problem in having a debate on it.

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