Written answers

Thursday, 18 December 2008

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Prison Accommodation

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison spaces currently available; the number of prisoners in prison; the number on early release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47633/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that as of 16 December, 2008 there were 3,611 permanent beds available in the prison system. On the same day there were 3,656 prisoners in custody. In addition there were 453 persons on temporary release.

Most of our prisons are currently operating at close to or slightly in excess of their bed capacity. It is the case 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 280. The provision of an extra 1,300 prison places in recent years had largely addressed the issue of overcrowding which had become a chronic problem for the prison system. However, it is my view that the continuation of the current capital programme is essential if overcrowding is not to become a major problem again in the near future.

It has to be acknowledged that the Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts. Figures show, over the past 12 years, the numbers in custody have increased by 65% and the numbers on temporary release have decreased by 34%. Current developments will provide an extra 400 prison spaces by summer 2009 by means of: a new remand block in Castlerea Prison which will accommodate approximately 100 prisoners which is due to be completed in early 2009; a new block in Portlaoise Prison which will accommodate approximately 150 prisoners which is due to open in the coming months; a new block in Wheatfield Prison which will accommodate 150 prisoners which is due to be completed in the summer of 2009.

Most recently over 30 extra spaces have been made available at the open centre at Shelton Abbey and a further 40 spaces have been made available at the open centre at Loughan House. It should also be borne in mind that our prisons have contingency plans in place whereby they can accommodate numbers above their ideal working capacity.

These new developments will see the prison service through to the opening of the prison complex at Thornton Hall. Quite clearly the Government and the Irish Prison Service have anticipated the demand for prison spaces and have acted accordingly. The Irish Prison Service capital programme will also ensure the elimination of the unacceptable practice of slopping out and will effectively complete the modernisation of the prison estate. The Irish prison estate will be comparable to best international practice in terms of accommodation and facilities and services for the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners back into society. This will put the Irish Prison Service in good stead for the 21st century.

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