Thornton Hall

Justice Committee - Discussion

Senator Ivana Bacik: I thank the Irish Penal Reform Trust for its excellent presentation and echo the remarks of Deputy Rabbitte. Last week in the Seanad the Minister stated a preferred bidder had been selected to construct the development at Thornton Hall which will have capacity for 1,400 prisoners on the new site. However, when referring to the big issue, he indicated that, in fact, it would have potential capacity for 2,200. In response to a question from me he also stated prisoners might be obliged to double up in cells. Will the delegation elaborate on what we can do as a committee about this?