Vol. 550 No. 5
154 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the commitment given by his Department not to proceed with new acquisitions or use of premises on the North Circular Road, Dublin 7 for institutional purposes in the context of the existing over concentration in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9625/02]
I can confirm that officials from my Department, the probation and welfare service and the Irish Prison Service have taken part in discussions with local residents concerning the siting of residential centres in the North Circular Road area as well as on the plans for the redevelopment of the Mountjoy Prison complex.
My Department has agreed to provide funding through the probation and welfare service to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to develop premises at 136 North Circular Road as an after care residential centre for a small number of female ex-offenders. An Bord Pleanála has given permission for this development to proceed subject to certain conditions. The probation and welfare service will ensure that all conditions set out by an Bord Pleanála are complied with in full.
At a meeting with the residents, the principal probation and welfare officer indicated that the probation and welfare service would not be pursuing any further developments in the North Circular Road area.
155 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if premises (details supplied) in Dublin 7 were used by his Department for any purpose; and the present position in this regard. [9626/02]
I can inform the Deputy that my Department can find no records to show that the premises mentioned have been used by my Department for any purpose.
I should point out, however, that in the time available for answering this question, the Garda authorities have not been able to conclude their enquiries in the matter and, in this regard, the information sought will be forwarded to the Deputy when received.
