28th January 2004
306. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a commitment that the redeveloped Mountjoy will not be a privately run institution; and if he will also make a commitment that the redeveloped Mountjoy will not be developed or run as a public private partnership institution. [2441/04]
309. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the likely effect on the present Dóchas Centre and Training Centre at Mountjoy under his redevelopment plans. [2444/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 309 together.
I am in the process of submitting to Government proposals in relation to Mountjoy Prison and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter shortly.
I have made clear that my preference is for all prisons to continue to be managed by the Prison Service, but on the basis of a sustainable cost structure. As the Deputy will be aware, discussions are under way at the Labour Relations Commission between the Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association on proposals aimed at achieving this objective.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.