13th May 2004
169. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to the State of vacating a wing of Cloverhill Prison and the transfer of prisoners to Wheatfield Prison in order to make room for potential arrestees for the period from 30 April to 3 May; the number of prisoners involved; the date on which the directive was given to the prison governor; and the person by whom it was given. [14053/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): On 30 April 12 prisoners were transferred from Cloverhill Prison to Wheatfield Prison to ensure that accommodation would be available, if required, for any potential arrestees over the bank holiday weekend. The prisons are adjacent to each other and no additional or overtime costs were incurred.
A total of 125 overtime hours were required over the period in Wheatfield Prison as additional staff had to be assigned to deal with the extra prisoners. The average overtime rate for Wheatfield Prison in 2003 was €30.07 per hour and, based on this figure, the total extra cost involved was approximately €3,758.75.
The decision to move the prisoners followed a series of discussions and co-ordinated contingency planning involving the Garda Síochána, senior officials of the Irish Prison Service, who approved the individual transfers on my behalf, and the governors of Cloverhill and Wheatfield Prisons.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.