Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that a new prison block at Wheatfield Prison, Dublin, has been lying idle for more than six months due to a failure to provide kitchen facilities; the cost of the construction of the block; the reason kitchen facilities were not provided; when it is planned to bring the block into service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28665/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is incorrect in his assertion in this question. The construction phase of the new cell block at a cost of €29m at Wheatfield was completed earlier this year. As is normal practice after completion of the main construction phase the fit-out, installation of equipment including medical, CCTV and locking systems was then commenced. This was completed in April 2010. I am glad to say that it is the intention of Irish Prison Service Management to bring the facility into occupation on a phased basis in a matter of weeks.

Let me set the record straight on the kitchen facilities. Firstly it was recognised from the very outset of this project that additional kitchen capacity would be required in order to cater for the increased prisoner numbers resulting from the new cell block. There were two options available: either a refurbishment of the existing facilities or the provision of a new kitchen with increased capacity to cater for the entire Wheatfield complex. Having considered the various options it was decided to construct a new kitchen on a site close to the existing facility which would allow for the utilisation of some of the existing kitchen services including storage areas. This was considered the best option as it frees up an area currently occupied by the kitchen which will be utilised for staff changing and locker rooms.

The new kitchen is due for completion in September next when it will become fully operational. In the interim there is ample capacity in the existing kitchen facilities at Wheatfield to cater for the opening of the new block which will, as with all major new prison facilities, be managed on a phased basis with a gradual increase in prisoner numbers up to full capacity over a period of months.