asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if negotiations are taking place between officials of his Department and officials of the Department of Justice in connection with the acquisition of Kinnitty Castle, County Offaly, for use as a detention centre, and if he will make a detailed statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Acquisition of Castle.
139.
The castle has been used for a number of years by my Department as a centre for training of recruits to the grade of Forester. On completion of the training course for the 1981-84 group of trainees some months ago, the necessity, in the short term, to recruit further trainees has ceased. My Department is currently examining options for potential alternative uses for the building and in this context a request from the Department of Justice is being considered.