Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take arising from the first interim report of the Inspector of Prisons in which he expressed concern at excessive overcrowding in prisons and particularly in regard to serious shortcomings at Loughan House, County Cavan; the steps he will take to deal with the issues raised by the inspector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40194/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that there has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population over recent years. This situation is particularly apparent over the past 12 months during which time the total number in custody has increased by approximately 350. The Government has committed significant resources to the provision of additional prison spaces in recent years resulting in the provision of an extra 1300 prison places. In addition, the current prison capital programme will provide approximately 400 extra prison spaces by summer 2009 including a new block in Portlaoise Prison which will accommodate approximately 150 prisoners, a new block in Castlerea Prison which will accommodate approximately 100 prisoners and a new block in Wheatfield Prison which will accommodate 150 prisoners. This investment will, in my view, provide modern prison accommodation to meet the prisoner cohort needs and allow for greater interventions with prisoners willing to engage with the range of services available within the prisons.

I am glad to tell the House that the Inspector's report on Loughan House is broadly positive in nature. The Inspector stated that he was satisfied that Loughan House is run effectively and that it provides a safe environment for the prisoners detained there. I want to assure the Deputy that I welcome the Inspector's constructive comments. The Director General of the Irish Prison Service is considering the matters raised by him and I understand a number of the minor issues of concern, for example the painting of stairwells, have already been addressed.