Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to advise the Deputy that in the joint Probation Service-Irish Prison Service women's strategy 2014-2016, An Effective Response to Women Who Offend, published in 2014, the Irish Prison Service made a commitment to explore the development of an open centre and open conditions for women assessed as being at low risk of reoffending. This commitment was acknowledged in the report on the strategic review of penal policy, which also recommended a greater focus on step-down facilities, supported accommodation, the use of more community-based open conditions for female offenders and the provision of an open centre for women.

A joint Irish Prison Service-Probation Service working group considered an open centre for women and recommended that, rather than developing an open centre, a more practical and cost-effective way to address the deficit would be to pursue step-down facilities for women. I am delighted to be able to support this very important initiative and the Deputy will be aware that I announced additional funding for the Irish Prison Service in 2018 to advance the project. Significant progress has been achieved already to advance this initiative. Approval was given to the heads of the Irish Prison Service and Probation Service to proceed to scope the possibilities for the development of a step-down unit in Dublin. In July 2016, an expressions of interest document was approved and issued, the first step in establishing a step-down facility for women in the Dublin area. As a positive response was received from relevant service providers, it was then decided to proceed to tender. The Irish Prison Service and Probation Service are currently advancing the tender documentation with the assistance of the Office of Government Procurement. As part of this contract, the service provider will be required to provide accommodation for ten women. The provider will co-ordinate individualised care plans for this vulnerable group with complex needs, linking women to a variety of community-based services and equipping them with skills to move towards independent living. I recently had the very enlightening opportunity to meet some women prisoners and hearing, at first hand, of their experience of being in prison in Ireland.

Building works on a new development for females in Limerick Prison will commence in early 2018. When completed, it will provide 42 single-occupancy rooms and an additional eight independent living areas. This stand-alone facility within the prison, with all the required ancillary services, will enhance the regimes and supports available to women. I am satisfied that in light of the above, and the thorough consideration of the issues involved, the correct course is currently being pursued.

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