29th September 2004
1170. Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date of maintaining Fort Mitchell Prison, since his decision to remove inmates and prison staff. [22960/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): In the period from the date of the last prisoner transfer, which was on 10 February 2004, to the end of August 2004, the Irish Prison Service incurred both pay and non-pay costs in maintaining Fort Mitchell.
During that period, six staff were assigned to specific maintenance duties. The payroll costs for those staff amounts to €170,000 approximately. Maintenance costs for the same period amount to €56,000 approximately.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.