§ MR. FFRENCH (Wexford, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Wexford Prison has been closed by the prison authorities; as a result, will it fall on the hands of the Wexford County Council; will they have to pay out of the rates the sum of £200 a year although the prison buildings are of no use to them; whether he can state if any saving has been effected by sending prisoners to Waterford Prison; and, if not, will he take steps to have Wexford Prison reopened.
§ MR. WALTER LONGThe prison was closed on September 29th last, and will, by law, become vested in the county council upon the expiration of twelve months from that date, unless in the meantime it should be required for 941 some public purpose. Should it become so vested in the council, that body will be liable for the payment of the rent. A yearly saving, estimated at £780, has been effected by the closing of the prison. It is not intended to reopen the prison.