Prison reformers have attacked the Government's plans for new 'super prisons', saying the moves will give the country one of the highest prison populations in Europe.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio, Rick Lines, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust, described the plans as 'the Department of Justice's version of the Bertie Bowl'.
Mr Lines says the issue of improved facilities is being used to mask a 25% increase planned for the prison population.
This will put Ireland's incarceration rate at the fourth highest in Europe, up from its present 10th place, and add tens of millions to the prison budget.
Mr McDowell said these criticisms were surprising given that a minister was finally bringing in the reforms that have been demanded for many years.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said that new prisons will introduce spare capacity which is necessary for any secure regime.
He confirmed it is planned to move the refurbished women's unit and newly opened juvenile unit from the Mountjoy campus to a new site.
A decision on where to house the new Dublin prison is expected in the autumn, and the new facility should be open within four years.
