Parliamentary Question: Conditions at Limerick Prison Women's Wing

15th June 2004

529. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been further development of plans, as mentioned in the Irish Prisons Inspectorate's 2003 report, for a new female prison, similar in design to the Dóchas Centre at Mountjoy, at Limerick Prison; if so, the timeframe for construction of the prison; and the new facilities which will be available for the prisoners. [17781/04]

530. Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, since the Irish Prisons Inspectorate report in 2003, there have been changes or improvements in the women's wing of the Limerick Prison, regarding the lack of privacy around the toilet facilities in the prisoners' cells. [17782/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):  I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.

The issues highlighted by the 2003 prisons inspectorate report on the various prisons and places of detention are being addressed through the prisons capital building programme. A new block with space for 100 prisoners has recently been opened at Limerick Prison. This work also included a major refurbishment of E wing where modern fully equipped accommodation for female prisoners has been provided. The cells are equipped with a specially designed modesty screen. I recently announced that I am contemplating the building of a new prison on Spike Island. This new facility would augment the existing Fort Mitchel detention centre on the island as well as replacing the existing Cork Prison. It would be a significant prison complex with separate sections devoted to male adult prisoners, young offenders aged 16 to 17 years and female prisoners.