- 29 ii. transfer centres 73. The Athens Transfer Centre was holding 25 male detainees at the time of the delegation's visit, as compared to an official capacity of 42. The majority of the detainees were located on the ground floor in three dormitories - a half a dozen persons per dormitory - each measuring approximately 19 m². The dormitories were equipped with concrete platforms; in one there were four mattresses, whereas in the two others, the detainees only had blankets (and occasionally a cushion) at their disposal. The remainder of the detainees were being held on another floor. This area contained three cells, also equipped with concrete platforms; no mattresses were to be seen. The detention facilities did not have access to natural light, but did have (rather harsh) artificial lighting; ventilation was mediocre. The sanitary facilities - toilets/washbasins/showers were located in separate annexes and were in an adequate state of repair; however, no toilet paper, soap or towels were in evidence. As regards outdoor exercise, the centre did possess a courtyard; however, detainees were not allowed access to it, apparently for security reasons. The premises as a whole had been freshly painted and were relatively clean. 74. To sum up, the Centre offered very basic conditions of detention. Given the relatively short periods of time that persons are detained there - rarely in excess of a few days (though the custody register showed that stays of up to six days occasionally occurred) - the existing arrangements could be considered as tolerable, provided that improvements are made on some specific points. However, it is also clear that the delegation saw the Centre under favourable circumstances, and in particular at a time when the occupancy level was some way below the official capacity. In the CPT's view, the existing facilities are not capable of accommodating in an acceptable manner 42 (or more) persons. 75. As regards the Athens Transfer Centre, the CPT wishes to make the following recommendations: - that persons detained overnight in the Centre be provided with both blankets and their own mattress; - that ventilation in the detention facilities be improved; - that detainees who do not possess such items be provided with the wherewithal to keep themselves clean; - that means be sought of enabling detainees to be offered outdoor exercise on a daily basis; - that the official capacity of the Centre's existing detention facilities be reduced.