Vol. 548 No. 5
364 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions which have taken place with staff and community interests concerning the future of Shanganagh Castle Prison; the further consideration which has been given; the proposed future of this detention facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5268/02]
As I already indicated in my replies to Parliamentary Question No. 158 on 22 November 2001, and Parliamentary Question No. 1016 on 30 January 2002, the director general of the Prisons Service established a group to examine all options for Shanganagh Castle in the light of the very considerable decline in the num ber of young persons in custody found suitable for transfer to this centre in recent years.
I am also informed that this group, as part of their review, held meetings with a number of interested parties, including the governor and management team of Shanganagh Castle, local staff representatives, officers from the Prison Officers Association, the head teacher of Shanganagh Castle and the Shankill Community Association.
The group also considered written submissions from the education unit of Shanganagh Castle, the Prison Officers Association, Shankill Community Association, South Shankill Residents Association and the Shanganagh Castle Visiting Committee.
I am further informed by the director general that this group will submit their final report to him in the near future. When this report is received, its recommendations will be considered carefully and circulated to all interested parties. In the event of major changes being contemplated on consequence of the report, a three to four month consultation period will ensue to ensure all affected parties have an input into the eventual outcome.
