3rd June 2004
162. Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is or will be plans to site a prison in the Kilcock area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17030/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I can inform the Deputy that there are no immediate plans for the siting of a prison in the Kilcock area. However, as part of the process to identify possible sites for the replacement of the prison complex at Mountjoy, the Office of Public Works have made inquiries, which included the placing of advertisements in the national press, and arising from this process approximately 30 potential sites have been submitted to me 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 decided to establish 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 considerations of this group before proceeding further.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.