19 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Justice the number of extra prison spaces that have been provided since 1 January 1996. [7043/96]

The implementation of the plans which I announced for the provision of additional prison places on 30 January of this year, are progressing satisfactorily. The first 33 additional spaces have recently come on stream and other elements of my plan are well under way. The next project due for completion is the return to full use of all the places which were lost as a result of the fire in the health care unit at Mountjoy Prison in December 1995. The 38 cells in question will become available later this month.