Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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419. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the allocation of prisoners to Loughan House in Cavan is being reviewed in light of recent reports (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52228/23]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the sentence management process for transfer to an Open Centre is guided by the Irish Prison Service Open Centre Policy and a person's suitability for transfer to an Open Centre is based on a number of criteria.

These criteria are particularly reflective of the nature of the offence they committed, the length of sentence remaining and any risk posed to public safety. A person who is to be considered for an Open Centre will have his sentence management plan reviewed at a Prison review meeting where a multi-disciplinary team will decide on their suitability to be accommodated at an Open Centre. For those with short sentences or committed for certain offences (e.g. non-violent first time offenders) the necessity of reviewing their case at a formal review meeting may not be necessary.

When a person is transferred to an Open Centre, a sentence management programme is structured to meet their needs. The sentence management programme will also take into consideration, among other things, the persons potential participation in the Community Return Scheme, further education courses or employment.

Life sentenced prisoners may also be transferred to an Open Centre as a result of their involvement in the Parole Board process.