Irish prisoners will no longer be forced into overcrowded jails and subjected to the daily humiliation of "slopping out" under new proposals announced today.
The Minster for Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue told prison service representatives a new building programme for the prisons would bring conditions up-to-date.
Launching the Prison Service strategy statement he announced new plans for treating drug addicts and sex offenders.
He said he would be seeking Government approval for new laws to make the service independent in all areas except policy-making.
Speaking at the launch in Dublin Castle, Mr O'Donoghue said: "I am very pleased to note that the prison building programme, for which I have secured very considerable government funding during my term as minister, will continue with an emphasis on eliminating overcrowding and providing prisoners with accommodation which meets present-day living and sanitary standards."
He said every closed prison would have a drug-free area by the end of 2003 to help prevent inmates being tempted back into addiction.
"Even with all the security apparatus of a modern prison, the scourge of illicit drugs is a major problem within the custodial setting," he said.
He said a treatment programme would be launched next year to treat sex offenders, who make up 14 per cent of the prison population - higher than the international average of 10 per cent.
"I look forward to its development as a successful intervention in the interest, both of those who receive treatment and the misfortunate people in the community who are victims of paedophilia and sexual offences," Mr O'Donoghue said.
PA