2nd June 2004
220. Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the future plans for the relocation of the women's prison in Mountjoy; the plans he has for the redevelopment of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16731/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 47 of 26 February 2004. Since the opening of the Dóchas centre in 1999, there has been a serious overcrowding problem there, even with the benefit of an additional 20 spaces provided in the final phase of its construction. This serious shortage of spaces for women prisoners frequently forces the prison authorities to seek temporary release for lower level female offenders. I do not regard this as an acceptable situation.
Social trends across Europe indicate we will continue to experience an increasing number of women prisoners in our system in the future. It is the intention, therefore, to replicate an expanded version of the Dóchas centre in the plans to move the entire Mountjoy Prison complex to a greenfield site in the greater Dublin area. While the full details of the relocation of the Mountjoy Prison complex have not been decided upon, the sale of all or part of the existing Mountjoy site could go to funding the new complex.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.