Denis Foley
Question:58 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Justice the current number of prison places available in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12893/96]
Written Answers. - Prison Capacity.
There are currently 2,210 custodial places available in the prison system. The number in custody on 17 June 1996 was 2,189.
Despite the above figures there is an element of overcrowding in some of the prisons. A number of the prisons, notably Portlaoise and the open prisons, are below capacity due to operational reasons.