Irish Prison Service.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004

Tuesday, 23 March 2004

Questions (486)

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

483 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the negotiations between the Irish Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association and the closure of Fort Mitchel Prison, he is still committed to his earlier statement of 11 November 2003, to re-open Fort Mitchel Prison in the event of the ongoing negotiations being successfully resolved; and if the re-opening of Fort Mitchel Prison will take immediate effect upon the resolution of the current dispute. [8580/04]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

As I indicated in my reply to the Adjournment Debate on 12 November 2003, Fort Mitchel will resume its role as a closed detention centre in the event that agreement is reached with the Prison Officers' Association on sensible work practices and an annualised hours system which is good for staff and the Prison Service as a whole. This remains my position. I would envisage setting out a timetable for the re-opening of Fort Mitchel if there is a satisfactory conclusion to the ongoing talks with the Prison Officers' Association in the Labour Relations Commission.