Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether to transfer part of the Mountjoy Prison site to the Mater Hospital when same ceases to be a prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/06]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which he proposes to dispose of the Mountjoy Prison site; if some of the land will be transferred to the Mater Hospital; if Dublin City Council officials will be allowed to enter onto the site to carry out their legal obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3496/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 41 and 45 together.

There is no plan to transfer part of the Mountjoy Prison site to the Mater Hospital.

I have asked the Office of Public Works to prepare a development plan for the site. When finalised, this plan will include detailed proposals for the utilisation and development of the site and will also take account of issues to include heritage and historical context as well as the proper and sustainable development of the area itself. It is too early at this stage to indicate when the site will be disposed of or the precise means of disposal. The process will provide for, and in due course include, consultations with the local authorities including Dublin City Council in line with the relevant statutory provisions.