Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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287. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position of her Department with respect to ensuring that female only prisons are reserved to those that are biologically female; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61009/21]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service is responsible for the safe and secure custody of all people held in prison.

When a court makes an order committing a person to prison, the Irish Prison Service must accept that person into the prison as specified by the court.

All people committed to prison are accommodated in accordance with their legal gender.

In some cases, the Governor may make a recommendation on the appropriate placement within the prison system, taking into consideration good order, security, operational and protection issues, available accommodation and the healthcare needs of the prisoner as well as the safety and security of other prisoners and staff.