29th January 2003
813. Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received complaints from families of prisoners in Portlaoise Prison in relation to possible asbestos contamination; if this has been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1212/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Following a survey of prisons in 2001 by specialist engineers, a number of areas requiring removal of asbestos were identified. In February and March 2002, asbestos material was removed by professional contractors, advised by the specialist engineers, from the areas identified in Portlaoise Prison. The removal was carried out in accordance with the health and safety regulations, Department of the Environment and Local Government regulations and approved codes of practice for the removal of asbestos.
The areas identified in Portlaoise Prison neither housed prisoners nor were accessible by prisoners or their visitors. Neither did the contractors employed for the removal of the material come into contact with prisoners. The areas from which the asbestos was removed were monitored and tested and all test results showed that the areas are now free of asbestos. Queries were raised by and on behalf of some families of prisoners in Portlaoise Prison regarding possible contamination from asbestos subsequent to the removal of asbestos from the prison and were dealt with by the Prison Service through a representative of a prisoner support group.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.