|
Minister for Justice,
Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I do not intend
to reconsider my decision to relocate the Mountjoy Prison Complex to the
Thornton Hall site. As the Deputy is aware Mountjoy Prison needs
to be replaced. Conditions at Mountjoy have been severely
criticised by the Council of Europe's European Committee for the
Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
They have also been roundly condemned by the Inspector of Prisons.
Redeveloping the exisitng 20 acre site at Mountjoy is neither
financially viable at an estimated cost of well in excess of €400m nor
is it practical from an operational or developmental perspective.
I do not accept the
Deputy's assertions that the new location will result in hardship to
disadvantaged prisoners and their families. Obviously, any change
in location may inconvenience visitors/families who reside in the
immediate proximity of the current site but equally a new site may prove
more convenient for visitors from other areas. The new site at
Thornton Hall is suitable in many respects including the fact that the
site is only 10 miles from O'Connell Street, a new motorway is almost
complete nearby with access to the M50 and the national motorway
network. In addition, consideration will be given to the
provision, subject to review, of a bus service to facilitate visitors
who do not have their own transport.
The construction of the
new facility on a greenfield site will address the inadequate facilities
associated with the Mountjoy Prison Complex and will, in addition, offer
significant improvements in the areas of work training, education, and
medical services as well as providing single cell accommodation with
in-cell sanitation. |
CiaranCuffe.com