13th February 2001
242. Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 6 February 2001, he will outline the various projects which the Government has approved; the nature of the projects; the expected completion dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3650/01]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): I understand that the Deputy is referring to the possible future use of a particular site by the prisons authorities. The Government gave its approval in May 2000 for the provision of a further 700 closed prison places. Included in this is the provision of new facilities in the Dublin area for a male juvenile unit, a female juvenile unit and an adult prison. I should point out that I am obliged to provide the facilities for juveniles as a matter of urgency in order to comply with the provisions of the forthcoming Children Bill.
In relation to the particular site referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that no decision has yet been made in respect of the location of any of these facilities. Any such proposals will be subject to planning and consultation procedures. It is not possible, at this juncture, to estimate completion times for any of these projects.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.