Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison spaces lost to the prison service through closure; the number of spaces now required; the reason it was not possible to continue with the use of the Curragh and Spike Island until such time as alternative space was provided in view of his statement to the effect that the revolving door in the prison system has been abolished, and the fact that at least two prisons have closed down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31063/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 260: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison spaces lost to the system through the closure of the Curragh and Spike Island; the way these spaces have been made up; if this is done by way of multiple occupancy of existing cells or otherwise; if early release is now being used as a vehicle to create extra space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31064/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the closure of the Curragh and Fort Mitchel was as a result of a Government decision in November, 2003 approving a series of measures to be taken on a rolling basis with effect from 1 January, 2004 in the event of failure to reach agreement with the Prison Officers' Association on a change agenda aimed at eliminating overtime payments and reducing other costs in the Irish Prison Service. I made it quite clear at that time that the Irish Prison Service could not continue to spend public money to feed a chronic overtime culture while sustaining outdated and inefficient work practices.

These closures coincided with the opening of a new wing in Limerick Prison and an unused wing in the Midlands Prison. The opening of these spaces was facilitated by transfer of staff from the Curragh and Fort Mitchel and the new spaces compensated for the closures of the Curragh and Fort Mitchel. I can also advise that construction of new prison spaces is underway at Portlaoise Prison, Castlerea Prison, Loughan House and Shelton Abbey and an additional 25 new spaces are already available at Loughan House. The Deputy will also be aware of my plans for new prison complexes in North Dublin and Munster.

The total number of prisoners in custody on 28 September, 2006 was 3,158 compared to a bed capacity of 3,383. There is consequently no need for the widespread use of early release simply to ease overcrowding levels. This is in stark contrast to the situation which prevailed in the mid-1990's where the scandal of the "revolving door" was at its height.