Parliamentary Question: Prison Accommodation

22nd February 2007

132. Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform  the number of prison spaces available at present; the number of empty spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7089/07]

Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): As of 20 February, 2007 the available bed capacity of the prison system was 3,415 and there were 3,296 persons in custody on that date. This represents an occupancy level of 97%.

It should be noted that this issue is not simply one of matching the global prisoner population to a global figure for beds or cells. A number of factors have to be taken into account including the prisoner's age, gender, the nature of the offence, location, security and whether they are on remand or sentenced. When these factors are taken into account the prison system currently operates close to the capacity limit.

I have authorised the Irish Prison Service to engage in a significant project to upgrade and increase the number of prison places. This is being addressed by constructing new facilities notably in Dublin and Munster. The new facilities will offer significant improvements in the areas of work training, education and medical services as well as providing predominantly single cell accommodation with in-cell sanitation. These are major undertakings involving replacement of close to 40% of the entire prison estate.