Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy in the time available.

I will write to the Deputy directly once the information is to hand.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that the Irish Prison Service is working closely with officials in my Department to take steps to ensure a safe working environment for staff, and the safety and security of people in custody. They are also working to identify short-, medium- and long-term proposals to manage capacity issues in our prisons.

In July 2023, I established a Prison Overcrowding Response Group, composed of officials from the Department of Justice and representatives from relevant agencies, to identify measures to address capacity issues in the prison estate.

Government has made significant capital funding available to the Irish Prison Service to enhance the existing prison infrastructure and provide additional capacity. Total capital funding allocation of €159m for the years 2024 to 2026, which includes an increase of €49.5m in the most recent NDP allocations has been provided and will assist towards bringing on stream accommodation for over 1,100 people between 2024 and 2030.

Short term projects are being progressed which are expected to deliver accommodation for 150 people in 2024. The Prison Service are also currently assessing the feasibility of bringing the Curragh Military Prison into use.

In addition, and to further consider future prison capacity needs, I have established a new Working Group which will make recommendations on the numbers and types of prison capacity needed out to 2035. This Group will also make recommendations on the future use of the site at Thornton Hall.