JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell yesterday promised to end sending people to prison for non-payment of fines as it emerged it cost €2,000 to keep an unemployed man behind bars after he failed to pay for his €12 dog licence.

TRANSFERRING killer Malcolm MacArthur to an open prison would be illogical unless other elements of the pre-release programme are put in place, according to a prison reform group.

PSYCHIATRIC units should be established in three of the country’s larger prisons because mentally ill people are ending up in jail so often.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell was urged yesterday to reverse the decision to close Shanganagh Castle - the only open prison for juveniles in the country.

THE Government is to seek legal advise from the Attorney General on whether the Justice Minister can pass the decision on the future of convicted killer Malcolm Macarthur to a Cabinet colleague.

COUNTING in the Seanad elections today enters its final day when all of the 49 seats should be filled.

The decision to house young offenders in a special section of Mountjoy prison is being criticised.