Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I thank Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, for coming to the House. The need to retain and maximise the use of Loughan House, Blacklion, County Cavan, as a prison and place of detention is of the utmost importance. Loughan House is situated in Blacklion, County Cavan, on the borders of Counties Cavan, Fermanagh and Leitrim. This area has suffered mass emigration, depopulation and was badly affected by the troubles in Northern Ireland. In view of this, I seek clarification from the Minister on the future of Loughan House.

The Minister stated last week that if the Prison Officers Association does not accept his proposals to reduce the prison officers' overtime bill, he will press ahead with his own plans. Under these plans, two prisons, Loughan House, County Cavan, and Shelton Abbey, County Wicklow, will be run by an outside agency. This has caused alarm in west County Cavan and surrounding counties due to the perceived threat to Loughan House Prison.

Loughan House is a small prison with accommodation for 85 inmates. It is the most cost effective prison in the country. The approximate cost of maintaining a prisoner amounts to €63,000 per annum, which contrasts with a cost of €207,000 per prisoner at Portlaoise Prison. Why is one of the most effective prisons in the country in terms of cost as well as training now under threat? It does not make economic or social sense.

A large number of families in the area depend on Loughan House Prison. They contribute greatly to the community as the majority of the prison staff live locally. This community is not in a position to lose more people. From speaking to staff and their families, I know that they are fully committed to the community. Many have been there for over 20 years. If these proposals are implemented, they, and their families, will be forced to move to other parts of the country. The desire of the staff and their families is to stay in west County Cavan. The staff are committed to the prison and to their local community. They want to see Loughan House remain as a prison and detention centre and retain its current status. It would be a catastrophe for the small local community if these officers were forced to move to other prisons. Local schools, churches, sports and community groups would find themselves with great facilities but no people to utilise them.

Loughan House Prison has an education centre under the auspices of County Cavan Vocational Education Committee where a dedicated, highly-skilled staff give of themselves positively to their pupils, the inmates. Many of those who have availed of the education services have achieved FETAC and ECDL awards, despite having little or no education.