22nd February 2007
49. Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding conditions in Mountjoy Prison; if and the way the problem of overcrowding at the prison has been alleviated since the summer since months of 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6857/07]
Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Deputy may be aware that on 1 September, 2006 I directed that Wheatfield Prison and the Midlands Prison operate as committal prisons for certain male adult prisoners sentenced by courts in designated counties. The effect is that Mountjoy's committal responsibility was reduced to Dublin City and County. Following this designation the number of new committals to Mountjoy has reduced significantly. In the period 1 September, 2006 to 20 February, 2007, thirty percent of the 927 new committals to these prisons were to Wheatfield and Midlands prisons as outlined in the following table.
Institution Number of Committals
Mountjoy Prison 642
Wheatfield Prison 120
Midlands Prison 165
Total 927
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.