Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Deputy Jonathan O’Brien has today welcomed the publication of a report on Cork Prison by the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in which a range of proposals are put forward to end overcrowding.

The Cork North Central TD said: "I welcome the report from the Irish Prison Service and its proposals to end the chronic overcrowding as well as the practice of slopping out in Cork Prison. I also welcome the announcement from the Minister for Justice that he will proceed with the implementation of a strategy to address these issues.

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"While the construction of a new prison to accommodate up to 250 prisoners alongside the existing prison is something that should be explored, there should be just as much emphasis placed on the issue of sentence management and structured release of prisoners.

"Clearly the minister needs to review the Capital Allocation in the Justice Budget for the Irish Prison Service. His announcement that he will examine upgrading the facilities in Cork Prison will be meaningless unless he provides the funds needed to do this."

(CD/GK)