Parliamentary Question: Prisons Building Programme

25th November 2004

197.  Dr. Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform  the status of the plan to relocate Mountjoy Prison; if he will provide a copy of the plan; if he will report on the financial implications of relocating the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30749/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The group established to examine potential sites for a prison complex to replace that at Mountjoy have identified three or four particular sites as being potentially the most suitable for consideration as a site for a new complex and these are being explored further. I expect that the exercise will be completed before the end of this year.

In relation to the financial implications, I propose to develop any new complex by way of PPP funding in order to maximise value for money for the State.