3rd October 2001
106. Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the decision to close the only open prison for juvenile male offenders at Shanganagh, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/01]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): No decision has been made to close Shanganagh Castle. However, I am informed by the Director General of the Irish Prisons Service that a group has been formed to examine the feasibility of continuing to operate this institution as a male juvenile open centre in the light of the considerable decline in committals to this centre over the past several years. As offenders in the age category considered suitable for an open centre are increasingly managed in the community and do not incur a custodial sentence, there has been a significant drop in the number of prisoners transferred to this institution.
Should the review group conclude that it is not viable to continue to operate Shanganagh Castle in its current format, it is to consider all other options, including retaining the centre in the prison system for a different prisoner population.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.