18th November 2003
397. Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners currently in Fort Mitchell Prison, Spike Island, County Cork; the age range of the prisoners; the number of prisoners pursuing courses of education; the educational courses being pursued by the prisoners; the examination results achieved by the prisoners in the most recent examinations undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27201/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): On 17 November 2003, 88 prisoners were detained in Fort Mitchel Place of Detention, which is a closed, medium security place of detention for males aged 16 years and over. The institution has accommodation for 102 prisoners in four person and single cells, with in-cell sanitation. Fort Mitchel is not a committal institution and, consequently, detainees there are sentenced offenders, mainly from the Munster region, who have been transferred from other prison institutions. From 1 January 2003 to date, it has had a throughput of 203 offenders.
The age range of the offenders in custody on 17 November 2003, was as follows: *
* Download table.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.