Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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369. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prison spaces not in use in the prison system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32997/15]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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370. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the capacity of Limerick Prison; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32998/15]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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371. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if sections of Limerick Prison remain closed; the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32999/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 to 371, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that there are a number of spaces not in use across the prison estate on any given day, as a result of cells being closed for renovation and for maintenance reasons. This can change on a daily basis. I can also advise the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service publish the capacity of its prisons and the numbers in custody on a daily basis on their website ().

There are currently two areas in the prison system currently not in use, the B Wing in Limerick prison and the D Wing in Mountjoy prison.

The B Wing of Limerick Prison was closed in February 2013. The B Wing had a capacity of 58 spaces and remains closed.

The closure of the B Wing has reduced the operational capacity of Limerick Prison to 220 males. The decision to reduce the capacity was made following criticisms received from both the Inspector of Prisons and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane Treatment or Punishment in respect of slopping out in Limerick Prison.

The IPS Strategy Statement 2012/2015 identified the elimination of slopping out in the prison estate as a priority. The closure of B Wing effectively halved the number of prisoners who do not have in cell sanitation in Limerick Prison.

The IPS capital programme has also identified the replacement of B Wing as a priority and plans are being advanced in this regard. In January 2015 the Irish Prison Service secured the approval of the Department of Public Expenditure Reform to advance plans for a major development at Limerick Prison to tender stage.

The development includes a modern 150 cell block and a new facility there for up to 58 female prisoners. It is expected that the development will be put to tender in Spring 2016.