Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 129: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he issued the instruction, referred to in the Adjournment Debate on 12 October 2006; if not, the person who did; and if his attention was drawn to such actions prior to their implementation. [33740/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Director General of the Irish Prison Service is authorised under the Public Service Management Act 1997 to lead, manage and direct the prison service on a day-to-day basis. He gave an instruction, which was within his remit, in the immediate aftermath of the incident that, for operational reasons, the holding cells in Mountjoy Prison would be closed with immediate effect and that they would no longer accommodate prisoners. In common with a large number of day-to-day operational decisions, I was made aware of the Director General's instruction in due course.

I can assure the Deputy that this decision was in no way an attempt at any sort of cover up. Mr Michael Mellett, who is undertaking an independent investigation into the events leading to the death of Mr. Douch, had concluded his examination of the area prior to any action being taken to convert the cells for alternative usage. The same position applies in relation to the Garda investigation into the incident. The Garda had indicated that it had no further requirement of the crime scene for its criminal investigation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cells at Mountjoy that have been converted for alternative usage on a monthly basis in 2006. [33741/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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A total of seven padded cells in Mountjoy prison were converted for use as special observation and close observation cells. In addition two 'chill out' rooms were provided in the B base. The work was completed earlier this year.

In the B base, conversion of 2 holdings cells is currently underway. One is being converted to a shower area and the other to a waiting area and single cell. In addition a shower area and store area in the B base are at present being converted to accommodate two single cells. In the A2 and A3 wings of the prison 84 cells are currently being refurbished. In addition, three new holding cells were provided in the Reception area to facilitate processing of committals.