Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the drug free training unit in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, is carrying more people than its original design capacity; if he is satisfied that sufficient additional staff and facilities have been provided to allow this to be a safe and suitable environment; if recommendations made by the Labour Relations Commission in respect of the operation of this facility have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18909/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Training Unit Place of Detention has bed capacity for 107 prisoners. On 8 May, 2009 it was operating at slightly in excess of this capacity with 112 prisoners in custody. I am satisfied that the current staffing levels and facilities at the Training Unit are quite adequate and that a safe environment is provided for both prisoners and staff at the facility. In relation to the recommendation of the Labour Relations Commission regarding a particular staffing issue at the Training Unit, I can inform the Deputy that discussions in relation to this recommendation are ongoing between the Irish Prison Service and the Staff Association.