Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

That particular construction was built for offices as opposed to prison spaces but I am aware of it and it is something we are looking into. As the Deputy may be aware, a review group is being established arising out of the Thornton Hall report to examine alternative ways of dealing with convicted offenders who do not pose a risk to the community and do an overall further review of non-custodial sentencing, and I expect that will be advanced in the new year. I hope shortly to announce the names of the individuals who will conduct the review.

Regarding Loughan House, one of the difficulties is its distance. A substantial number of prisoners are in Dublin or Cork and there is an issue of prison visits and access for family members of those convicted. Deputy Calleary is looking somewhat sceptical but that is an issue. Open prisons have an important role to play but, unfortunately, a substantial number of prisoners are not appropriate to be serving their time in such prisons.

See this speech in context