David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prison officers that were located at Spike Island prison and that have been relocated; the number relocated to each new location; if relocation is on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16813/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 258 on 18 May 2005 regarding the permanent placement of staff temporarily assigned to other institutions as a result of the closure of Fort Mitchel place of detention.

The position regarding permanent placement for the staff temporarily assigned to other institutions as a result of the closure of Fort Mitchel place of detention is currently being considered and it is expected that staff will shortly be notified of the prisons to which they are being permanently redeployed. I am not in a position at this point to indicate where the staff involved will be redeployed permanently as I must have regard to the wider staffing needs of the service. I have arranged, however, to elicit the preferred prison locations to which staff would wish to be assigned so that some consideration might be given to staff preferences. However, it has been made clear to all concerned that the needs of the service remain the primary issue of concern.

With regard to the number of personnel involved, the position is that 93 staff were employed in Fort Mitchel institution. Of these, 58 were transferred temporarily to Cork, 30 were transferred temporarily to Limerick, two were transferred temporarily to Portlaoise, one was transferred to Arbour Hill and two retired.

We are anxious to progress this matter as soon as possible in the interests of the individuals concerned and the overall needs of the Prison Service.