IRA not in control of Castlerea - Ahern

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern insisted it was "entirely inaccurate" to say that the killers of Det Garda Jerry McCabe were in control of Castlerea prison.

Repeating that they would remain in prison for the duration of their sentences, he said: "I have received no information from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, or from the governor of the prison, that the circumstances have changed since 1999."

He was replying to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who said he understood the killers occupied a separate area of the prison compound known as the Grove, and appeared to operate a veto on the integration process among all prisoners.

"The report of the inspector is very clear that the policy of integration in Unit A is not working, as the Provisional IRA prisoners are effectively using a veto over the duties assigned to working prisoners in the Grove.

"This includes objecting to prisoners serving sentences for sex offences or drugs working in the kitchen or on grounds near the houses they occupy." Mr Kenny said he had already raised the issue of photographs being taken and the sale of goods abroad with the names of those prisoners thereon. Mr Ahern said it was an open prison, although not in any way luxurious.

"The procedures there are obviously less strict than elsewhere. In all prisons, including Castlerea, it is a matter for the governor to determine the duties of the trustees and how that is handled. I have no news of any change in this."

Mr Kenny asked the Taoiseach to confirm newspaper reports that Det Garda McCabe's killers faxed their requirements to the local shop, which were then delivered by taxi.

Mr Ahern said the prison was secure but the regime was that of an open prison.

"Since 1970, the prisoners in Portlaoise got different treatment because of their structures. When the prisoners were moved to Castlerea, they continued to receive different treatment. I do not know about the operations regarding their food and so on, but I am told they should be getting more traditional food."

Fine Gael TD Denis Naughten remarked: "The Chinese takeaways are doing well at any rate."