IPRT slams McDowell’s planned prison restructuring

The Irish Penal Reform Trust has slammed plans by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to press ahead with his proposed reform of Ireland's prison system.

Mr McDowell said yesterday that he intended to permanently close two prisons at the Curragh and Spike Island, privatise the prison escort service and contract out the running of two other prisons - Loughan House and Shelton Abbey - to the private sector.