Parliamentary Question: Management of Irish Prisons

28th January 2004

307. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has had communications with any religious orders or religious organisations with regard to the management of Shelton Abbey, Loughan House, or any other aspects of the prison service; if so, the names of the orders or organisations; if the contact was initiated by his Department; the date of contact; the services which were or are under discussion; and the current status of any such discussions. [2442/04]

312. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has had communications with voluntary or charitable organisations with regard to the management of Shelton Abbey, Loughan House, or any other aspects of the prison service; if so, the names of the organisations; if the contact was initiated by his Department; the dates of contact; the services which were or are under discussion; and the current status of such discussions. [2447/04]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell):  I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 312 together.

Arrangements for the alternative management of Shelton Abbey and Loughan House, should discussions under way at the Labour Relations Commission not result in a sustainable cost structure for their management within the Prison Service, are currently being finalised in my Department.

There have been no discussions with religious orders or religious organisations or voluntary or charitable organisations on the matter.