Vol. 544 No. 5
158 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the future of Shanganagh Prison, Shankill, County Dublin, is being examined by his Department; if so, the changes being considered; and if these proposed changes will be discussed with the Shankill community association before implementation. [29361/01]
I am informed by the director general of the Irish prison service that a group has been formed to examine the future role of Shanganagh Castle in light of the considerable decline in committals to this centre in recent years. Should the review group conclude that it is not viable to continue to operate Shanganagh Castle in its current format, they are to consider all other options, including retaining the centre in the prison system for a different prisoner population.
I wish to inform the Deputy that members of the group have met with representatives from the Shankill community association to hear their views in relation to the future of Shanganagh Castle. These views will, of course, be considered in the context of the group's report.
