Mr. P. O'BRIENOn behalf of the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin, I bog to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in Blackrock, county Dublin, police station there is only one cell in which prisoners of both sexes are confined; whether this want of accommodation is general in the metropolitan district; and whether the Government intend to reform the existing system, and institute and carry out regulations and accommodation similar to those in force in English towns, including classification of the prisoners?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThere are two cells at the Blackrock police station, and the sexes are separately confined. The cell accommodation at many of the Dublin police stations is no doubt insufficient to meet modern requirements, and the question of reforming the existing system has engaged the attention of the Government for some time past. Plans have been prepared for a new Central Bridewell, which will accommodate all persons arrested in the Dublin police district, under the most approved conditions as to classification, etc., and negotiations for a site are in progress.