Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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155. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when she expects overcrowding in prisons to cease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2108/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that the average number of prisoners in custody in Ireland has risen in recent years, from 3,321 during 2007 to 4,318 during 2012, an increase of over 30%. Likewise the total number of committals to prison has also risen sharply during the same period, from 11,934 in 2007 to 17,026 in 2012 – an increase of over 43%.

2013 saw the first significant decrease in prison numbers since 2007. There were 15,735 committals to prison in 2013 which was a decrease of 7.6% on the 2012 figure.

In addition, a 40 month capital programme is being implemented to eliminate slopping out and to improve prison conditions in the older part of the prison estate. I am advised by my officials that work is continuing on the modernisation project at Mountjoy prison. "D" Wing is the last wing in Mountjoy requiring refurbishment and on the completion of this, all cells in Mountjoy prison will have in cell sanitation facilities. Works commenced in early June, 2014 with a completion date of the second quarter in 2015.

As outlined in the Irish Prison Service Three Year Strategic Plan, it is intended to align the capacity of our prisons with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons in 2014, in so far as this is compatible with public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system. An examination of yesterday's figures when there was 3,612 prisoners in custody shows that only Cork, Limerick and Arbour Hill are outside the parameters set by the Inspector of Prisons. This figure was 91% of his recommended total of 3, 982.

In relation to Cork Prison, a contract for the construction of a new prison to replace the existing facility was awarded late last year and construction began in January, 2014 with a completion date on the third quarter of 2015.

I can advise the Deputy that plans in respect of the Limerick Prison Redevelopment Project are advancing well.

Finally, the average number in custody for 2014 was 3,916 a reduction of 10.8% on the 2011 average of 4,390. The Deputy may wish to note that the number in custody reached a peak of 4,621 on 23rd February 2011. Today there are 973 less prisoners in custody which represents a decrease of 21%.