asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what has been the cost of the conveyance of prisoners from County Tirconaill to gaols outside the county for the year ending 31st December, 1923, and also for the half-year ending 30th June, 1924; why there is not a bridewell in Letterkenny, in which town there is a disused workhouse; whether the equipment of a bridewell there for prisoners on remand or summary conviction would not be central for the county, as well as more economic and convenient, and whether he will have the necessary steps taken to arrange for the establishment of same in Letterkenny.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - CONVEYANCE OF TIRCONAILL PRISONERS.
The cost of conveying prisoners from Tirconaill for the six months ended 30th June, 1924, was approximately £700. I have not at present before me the figures for 1923, as the accounts for that year are now with the Comptroller and Auditor-General.
I have considered the advisability of establishing a bridewell or separate prison at Letterkenny, which, of course, would be more convenient than Sligo Prison, but I am not satisfied that this course would be justified, in view of the heavy expenditure which would be involved in the erection, upkeep and consequent establishment charges of a new prison. To transform the old workhouse at Letterkenny into a temporary prison would entail a capital expenditure estimated at about £2,000, and a prison staff would of course, require to be allocated and maintained there.
I propose, however to review the matter next October, when more complete material will be available upon which to form a decision.