Written answers
Thursday, 8 June 2006
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Prison Accommodation
5:00 pm
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Question 182: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases in respect of which two or more prisoners share a cell in the various prisons throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22224/06]
Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
| Institution | Cells with accommodation for more than one person |
| Mountjoy Prison | 75 double cells, 15 four man cells and 1 six man cell. |
| St. Patrick's Institution | One triple cell |
| Castlerea Prison | Four 4 man cells and 20 double cells |
| Cork Prison | 109 double cells. |
| Limerick Prison (Male) | 104 double cells |
| Limerick Prison (Female) | 10 double cells |
| Wheatfield Prison | 64 double cells |
| Portlaoise Prison | 8 double cells |
| Loughan House | 40 double rooms and 5 four man rooms |
| Shelton Abbey | Dormitory accommodation provided for prisoners. |
| Cloverhill Prison | 120 triple cells and 5 double cells. |
| Midlands Prison | 22 treble cells |
| Arbour Hill Prison | 5 three man cells and 15 double cells |
Where possible, it is the aim of the Prison Service to provide single cell occupancy for all sentenced prisoners. Exceptions are made for some prisoners who actually seek to double-up. They do so especially if they are in prison for the first time. Prisoners may ask to share a cell with a friend or relative in custody and such requests are facilitated where possible. Doubling up may also occur from time to time if there is a concern about the physical/mental health of a prisoner.
It is anticipated that the new prison buildings at Thornton Hall and Spike Island will allow for increased single cell usage. The construction of new facilities will address the issue of cell occupancy levels and will, in addition, offer significant improvements in the areas of work training, education, medical services and in-cell sanitation.
No comments