Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the matter of the step-down facilities, I assure the Deputy that this is an important issue which is receiving active consideration. A joint working group of the Probation Service and the Irish Prison Service gave consideration to the option of establishing an open centre for women. Rather than recommending the development of an open centre for women, it concluded that a more practical and cost-effective approach would be to pursue a step-down facility. I understand this recommendation is under examination. It is important to ensure we can provide assistance, especially to low-risk offenders serving lengthy sentences. Work is ongoing in that regard and I will be happy to report back to the committee on the matter.