Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2013
211. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is considering using St Patrick’s Institution, Dublin, to house sex offenders or protection prisoners, as per page 18 of the Labour Relations Commission proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14623/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that I intend to introduce primary legislation for the purpose of closing St. Patrick's Institution as a detention centre for persons aged 21 and under. As part of the Irish Prison Service 3-Year Strategic Plan 2012-2015 the Prison Service is devising a specific strategy for the management of young offenders. Central to this strategy is a review the overall approach taken to the placement of 18-21 year olds throughout the system.
As stated in the Labour Relations Commission Proposals for Public Service Agreement, the Irish Prison Service has undertaken to review the operation of St Patrick’s Institution to consider whether it might be used to accommodate prisoners who have been sentenced for sex offences or those who require protection. However, as the Deputy is aware the Labour Relations Commission proposal is currently subject to consideration by the staff associations who may decide to accept or reject the proposal. Accordingly, this review cannot commence until this process has been completed and the proposal accepted by the staff associations. Therefore, It would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage of the process.
