Parliamentary Question: Prison Accommodation

1st October 2003

305. Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent on the prison facility on Spike Island, Cork since it was taken over by his Department by way of construction and refurbishment of buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21484/03]

306. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concern being expressed by staff and their families in addition to the prisoners regarding the possible closure of Fort Mitchell Prison, Spike Island in view of the financial and emotional upheaval that transfers would cause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21486/03]

307. Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the consideration that has been given to providing a bridge to Fort Mitchell Prison which over time would significantly reduce costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21487/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 to 307, inclusive, together.

Since 1997 a total of € 7,155,207 has been spent on capital and maintenance works at Fort Mitchel Place of Detention. Information on similar costs over the previous 12 years is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources. My Department has previously examined the feasibility of building a bridge to Fort Mitchel Place of Detention. At this point in time there are no plans to progress such a project.

I am aware of speculation in the media and elsewhere about the possible closure of Fort Mitchel Place of Detention, and other prisons and places of detention, as part of measures to control prison costs generally. The position is that the efforts of the Prison Service to control costs in prisons are currently very much focused on reaching agreement with the Prison Officers Association on a range of measures designed to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of prisons. Negotiations on this are at a critical stage, and I hope and believe that agreement can be reached. I have made clear, however, that, in the absence of agreement, immediate and potentially significant measures will be required to bring costs under control. I am discussing with my Cabinet colleagues the options available in this regard.