Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 163: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to take action to address the serious issue of overcrowding in prisons, the activities of crime bosses running their empires from within the prison system and the use of early release as compensation for lack of adequate prison space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30700/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The total number of prisoners in custody on 28 September, 2006 was 3,158 compared to a bed capacity of 3,383. This represents an occupancy level of 93%. There is no overcrowding crisis or immediate issue relating to the capacity of the prison system. 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-1990s where the scandal of the "revolving door" was at its height. However, we are close to our prison capacity limit and there is a need to upgrade and increase our prison stock. The Thornton Hall and Spike Island developments are addressing those matters.

I am aware of allegations to the effect that prisoners are running criminal syndicates from inside prison cells. I can assure the Deputy that I am committed to implementing all appropriate measures within the law to prevent such activity and to ensure that the contact that prisoners have with the outside world is properly controlled and monitored.

Prisoner visits in all closed prisons are carefully controlled and held in sight of prison officers. In addition, new Visiting Card arrangements are in place in almost all closed prisons whereby only persons who have been pre-approved by the Governor are permitted to visit. Telephone calls in closed prisons are monitored by prison officers and incoming and outgoing mail is subject to examination by a prison censor. In addition, there is regular contact between the Prison Service and An Garda Síochána to discuss security issues and I can assure the Deputy that Gardaí would be contacted where any suspected criminal offence has taken place.

One of the major challenges in prisons today lies in preventing access to contraband items, primarily mobile phones and drugs, which for obvious reasons, are viewed as highly valuable commodities which could assist in illegal activity from the prisoner cells. Efforts are made on a continuous basis to prevent the flow of such contraband into our prisons, by for example, the installation of nets over exercise yards, vigilant observation of prisoners by staff, upgraded CCTV monitoring, the use of screened visits and the use of daily prisoner and cell searches. In addition, the Prison Service are currently examining technological options for dealing with the use of mobile phones within prisons.

Random searches of cells and their occupants and searching of correspondence and other items have all intercepted significant quantities of contraband in recent years. When a person is admitted to prison custody, he or she is searched and prohibited items and money are taken. Similarly, searching takes place of prisoners returning from court, temporary release or visits. Searches of prisoners also take place where their behaviour or information received raises suspicions that they may be in possession of contraband. The new prison estates at Thornton Hall and Spike Island will also make it harder for contraband to enter the prison over the perimeter walls by means of locating recreation yards away from perimeter walls.