The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D., today, accompanied by Mr. Noel Ahern TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, officially opened the new decentralised Headquarters of the Irish Prison Service in Longford Town.
The decentralisation of the Irish Prison Service HQ from Clondalkin to custom built facilities in Longford has resulted in the relocation of 140 staff.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister Lenihan said: "The successful decentralisation of the Headquarters of the Irish Prison Service from Dublin to Longford is a significant milestone in the history of the Service and in the Government’s overall decentralisation programme.
Today is tangible evidence of the Government's commitment to the decentralisation programme and to balanced regional development which, in my view, will bring substantial long term dividends for the whole country including public servants and their families."
A Welsh Prison Service can do the same in Wales. Powers over prisons in Wales should be transferred to the Senedd.