Justice budget set at record €152m

The total capital budget in 2007 for the justice sector will be a record €152m. Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has welcomed the allocation.

The Minister said the allocation would be used to fund a range of new measures including a targeted 40 new CCTV schemes; the completion of the purchase of anti-stab vests for gardaí; the purchase of additional bikes to increase the number of garda bike units nationally and provision for a package of projects for new and replacement courthouses, especially in areas of increased population.

Funding will allow further expansion of prisons accommodation at the open centres at Shelton Abbey, Co Wicklow and Loughan House, Co Cavan as well as the completion of a new cell block at Portlaoise and a major new education facility at Limerick Prison, the Minister said.