17th November 2004
436. Mr. English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans in place for the relocation of Mountjoy Prison; if it is intended to relocate it to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29261/04]
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 has identified three or four sites as potentially the most suitable for consideration for a new complex and these are being explored further. The exercise will be completed before the end of this year. While no decision has been made on the location of the new prison complex, it is intended that the complex would serve the greater Dublin area and County Mayo would not, therefore, be a suitable location.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.