MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a street of cottages situated outside of Mountjoy Prison and tenanted by the officers of that establishment is enclosed at either end by massive iron gates, that these gates are locked by the Governor's orders every night at 10.30, and the gas in street and houses shut off, and that any officers or members of their families who happen to be out after that hour are excluded from their homes for the night; whether he is aware that this rule is regarded as a great hardship by the officers who are on duty within the prison from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and are then practically imprisoned in their own homes under this rule for the remainder of the twenty-four hours; and if he will consider whether these restrictions might be abolished?
§ MR. JACKSONThe street of cottages occupied by Mountjoy Prison officers, and which is part of the prison premises, is not, as the hon. Member seems to suppose, inclosed by massive iron gates, but is separated from the public street by a low light-barred gate, and has a low wooden gate adjoining the prison. These gates are locked at 10.30 at night for the safety of the premises, and the gas, except when specially permitted to remain, is turned off after that hour. No one need be excluded from his home for the night, as a key remains with the occupant of the cottage adjoining the gate for the use of the residents after 10.30 o'clock if required.
MR. O'BRIENWill the right hon. Gentleman say what is the object of closing the gates if they are opened when required? The premises are outside the prison walls. Why not let the people go in and out as they like?
§ MR. JACKSONAs a matter of safety, I suppose. I know no other reason.
§ MR. JACKSONFor the occupiers.