Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which custodial procedures in respect of high risk criminals are breached throughout the prison service with particular reference to overcrowding and the concentration of an unacceptable number of such prisoners at any location; his proposals to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13372/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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High risk criminals are dispersed throughout the prison system. However, a substantial number of them are held in Portlaoise prison, which is currently operating at 63% of its capacity. I have been advised by the Irish Prison Service that custodial procedures are not breached with respect to high risk criminals.

The decision to locate an individual at a particular institution is normally taken following a risk assessment which takes cognisance of intelligence held on him/her derived from previous periods of detention, Garda Reports and knowledge of associates, alliances etc.

As regards occupancy levels throughout the prison system in general, the total number of prisoners in custody on 2 April, 2007 was 3,283 compared with a bed capacity of 3,416. This represents an occupancy level of 96%.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full extent of cell occupation throughout the prison service; the number of cells not designed to cater for more than one person, which have in excess of that number; the number of prisoners accommodated in breech of safety or security conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13373/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The total number of prisoners in custody on 2 April, 2007 was 3,283 compared with a bed capacity of 3,416. This represents an occupancy level of 96%.

In relation to the number of cells not designed to cater for more than one person, it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the time available as the information is not readily available. However, my Department is currently compiling the data which will then require collation. Once this information is sourced, I will furnish the information to the Deputy.