25th November 2003
284. Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans his Department has in regard to the proposed closure of the Curragh Prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28110/03]
285. Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timescale in regard to the proposed closure of the Curragh Prison; if personnel inclusive of prisoners, prison officials and educational staff will be transferred as a unit; if there will be fragmentation of the unit to different prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28111/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
I draw the Deputy's attention to the Adjournment Debate on 12 November concerning the Curragh Place of Detention, which was sought by him, and the comments that I made about its future during that debate. On 20 November I met representatives of the Prison Officers' Association and I hope that progress may yet be made on an agreed way forward on the basis of the official side proposals. In the absence of agreement the position remains the same. The Government approved alternative cost reduction measures will be progressively implemented from January 2004.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.