Vol. 573 No. 4
280 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to reduce the present level of services provided by Loughlan House, Blacklion, County Cavan; and if there are plans or recommendations for its closure. [25744/03]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 345 on 21 October 2003 where I indicated that the existing cost structure of the Irish Prison Service is not sustainable. Efforts are continuing to reach agreement between the Irish Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association following the recent rejection by the association of proposals put to a ballot of the membership. In this regard, I have already indicated publicly that I am allowing a ten day period with effect from 30 October 2003 to allow prison management and the Prison Officers Association to see whether they can close the gap between them. I hope that these latest efforts will prove successful.
