Parliamentary Question: Prison Accommodation

8th July 2004

11. Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to receive the report of the expert group established to consider potential sites for the location of a new prison to replace Mountjoy Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20700/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Office of Public Works was asked earlier this year to assist in the identification of possible sites for a complex to replace the current prison facilities centred around Mountjoy Prison. The Office of Public Works subsequently made inquiries, which included the placing of advertisements in the national press, and arising from this process approximately 30 potential sites have been submitted for consideration.

In view of the importance of identifying the most appropriate site, and in the light of the large number of potential sites, I have established an expert group, chaired by my Department with input from the Office of Public Works and the Irish Prison Service, to examine the potential sites on the basis of comprehensive and objective criteria and to report back to me. I propose to await the results of the deliberations of this group before proceeding further. I would not expect to receive this group's report before the end of July.