Prison Accommodation Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 May 2013

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Questions (151)

Denis Naughten

Question:

151. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if prisoners to be accommodated in Harristown House, Castlerea, County Roscommon, are to be allowed to leave the grounds of Castlerea Prison to access the town, as outlined at last week's meeting with some public representatives, or prohibited from such access, as outlined by the Irish Prison Service at a recent meeting with the community; if he will assure the community that no prisoner convicted of a sexual offence or murder will be accommodated in this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24881/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I can inform the Deputy that prisoners accommodated in Harristown House will not be permitted to access the town other than to avail of therapeutic services such as Alcoholics Anonymous, as is currently the case. I can also inform the Deputy that no prisoners convicted of a sexual offence will be accommodated at the facility. In relation to prisoners convicted of murder, no decision has yet been made as to the category of prisoner to be housed in the facility. Therefore, at this stage I cannot inform the Deputy of the precise type of prisoner to be housed at Harristown House, other than the above exclusion of sex offenders. However, I can advise that the usual stringent eligibility criteria which apply to other prisoners being moved within the prison system to lower security prisons and institutions will be taken into account, fully considered and assessed. In all these assessments, the safety of the public will be the over-riding consideration.