Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address overcrowding in both the Dóchas Centre and Limerick female prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35662/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the primary role of the Irish Prison Service is the provision of safe and secure custody for prisoners. The Deputy will also be aware that the Prison Service must accept all persons committed by the courts into custody and does not have the option of refusing committals. I am informed that there was 34 women in custody on 18 November, 2011 in Limerick Female Prison where the bed capacity is 34. There was 127 women in custody in the Dóchas Centre on the same date representing 121% of the bed capacity.

As I have said before, this Government is committed to addressing the twin problems of overcrowding and poor physical conditions in our prisons. An administrative building on the Dóchas Centre site has been converted into a new accommodation block which will provide an additional 70 spaces. It is expected that this block will be ready for occupation in early 2012. The opening of the new spaces at the Dóchas Centre will assist in alleviating the overcrowding issue.