Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Open Prison Centres.

Ivor Callely

Question:

323 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice the three open prison centres in our prison system; the capacity of each centre; the actual number of inmates currently at each centre; the indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, educational and other such facilities available to prisoners in each centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8308/97]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

The three open prison centres are located at Shelton Abbey, Loughan House and Shanganagh Castle. The information sought in relation to each, as of 19 March 1997, is given in the following table:

Institution	Capacity	Number in Custody
Shelton Abbey	56	44
Loughan House	85	83
Shanganagh Castle	60	56

The indoor recreational facilities at all three centres include: television, games, such as snooker, darts and board games, and gym facilities. The outdoor facilities include football, basketball, tennis and other sports. A wide range of educational facilities are available relating to both academic subjects and practical and vocational training. Academic subjects covered would include English, mathematics, history and geography. Practical subjects include woodwork, cookery, crafts and computer studies.