27th March 2007
200. Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding received for the sale of grounds of Shanganagh Castle; the use same was put to; the position in relation to the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11112/07]Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Approximately 21 acres of land was sold for €9m to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in 2005. The remaining 6.3 acres including the buildings, were subsequently sold by public tender competition in October, 2006 for €20.6m. The Irish Prison Service no longer has any interest in the lands at Shanganagh Castle.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.