29th January 2004
22. Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on his plans for the future of the Mountjoy Prison complex. [2474/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I agree with the views expressed by the Inspector of Prisons and Places of Detention and the prisons authority interim board that there is a need to replace the accommodation and facilities at Mountjoy Prison as soon as possible. There are two possible options in regard to the replacement of the outdated accommodation at Mountjoy Prison.
The first is to redevelop the prison on the existing site involving the demolition and reconstruction of existing buildings. The second option is to relocate the prison to a greenfield site. My preference, as I have recently indicated, is for the relocation of Mountjoy Prison to a new site and I intend to bring this proposal to Government in the next week or so.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.