9th December 2004
200. Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the present status of the institutions of detention at Spike Island, Loughan House, Shelton Abbey and the Curragh. [32977/04]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Curragh and Fort Mitchel places of detention have been mothballed since 20 January 2004 and 10 February 2004, respectively, while Loughan House and Shelton Abbey continue to operate as open centres within the Irish Prison Service.
The Deputy is aware of the Government's decision of 11 November 2003 to approve a series of measures in the event of a failure to reach agreement with the Prison Officers Association on a change agenda. One measure was to mothball the Curragh and Fort Mitchel places of detention and another was to develop the open centres at Loughan House and Shelton Abbey as post-release centres for the reintegration into society of prisoners on conditional temporary release. The latter measure was not proceeded with for operational reasons.
The status of all four institutions is under continuing review in the context of the ongoing discussions between the Irish Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association. The discussions are close to being concluded. I hope an agreement will be finalised shortly and that staff will ballot for acceptance.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.