Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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643. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on whether standards in the E wing in Portlaoise Prison are acceptable; her plans for the damp and leaking cells, the continued practice of slopping out, the poor ventilation and the fact that there is no regular doctor on duty, which has caused a number of concerns among prisoners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31411/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the issue of eliminating slopping out within Portlaoise Prison has been included in the proposed 2017 refurbishment project for the prison.

At present, there are significant works in train to address water problems in the toilet areas including a deep clean of all areas affected by dampness and water leaks. The Irish Prison Service will continue to monitor these issues and take all reasonable action to address same.

I am further advised that General Practitioner services are normally provided in Portlaoise Prison by way of a permanent appointee to the post of prison doctor. Where the permanent prison doctor has been unavailable the Irish Prison Service has made arrangements for the delivery of those General Practitioner services by way of its contract agreement with a supplier of locum staff. The Irish Prison Service will continue to make all necessary arrangements to ensure that General Practitioner services are provided in Portlaoise Prison.