11. To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his most recent assessment is of the adequacy of the prison estate in Northern Ireland. (314147)

I announced in December 2007 that 400 additional adult male places would be made available by the end of 2010. 230 of these are now operational and 140 under tender for construction. In addition further accommodation is being refurbished and brought back into use at Maghaberry. A detailed business case and design for the replacement prison at Magilligan is under way. An options appraisal for a discrete women’s facility has been prepared. Final decisions must take account of funding availability.