Written answers

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Prisoner Data

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1048. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners in prisons here that are still slopping out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20311/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of safe and secure custody and dignity of care to those individuals in the penal system in Ireland is a priority area for my Department and the Irish Prison Service.  

The Irish Prison Service commits in its capital strategy plan 2016-2021 to a prison estate that provides safe, secure and humane custody, that upholds the dignity of all users, and that reflects and supports a modern and progressive penal policy.   It identifies as a priority, the full elimination of the practice referred to as ‘slopping out’, through provision of in-cell sanitation throughout the prison estate. 

Very significant progress has already been made in that regard, to the extent that the practice has now been virtually eliminated in Irish prisons. 

I am advised by the Prison Service that the number of prisoners without access to in-cell sanitation has decreased from 465 in January 2014 to a total of 51 prisoners slopping out - 20 in Limerick and 31 in Portlaoise.  This represents approximately 1% of the prison population. 

Some of the relevant works completed to date, allowing for in-cell sanitation to now be in place for 99% of prisoners, include the installation of in-cell sanitation at Mountjoy Prison and the opening of a new prison in Cork in 2016.

The construction of new facilities in Limerick has also commenced which will see the elimination of the slopping out in the remaining accommodation block at the prison.  This major project is scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2021. However, the precise date for completion of the project is currently the subject of on-going discussions with the contractor in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Finally, I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that a feasibility study on the options to improve cellular accommodation including the provision of in-cell sanitation at E block, Portlaoise Prison, is being prepared. I understand that the other cell blocks at Portlaoise Prison have in-cell sanitation.  When the study is completed, a decision will be taken on the most practical and feasible solution for the provision of in cell sanitation in the E block, having regard to its age and fabric.  

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.