Madam, - Together with many people in this area, I was shocked to learn of the imminent closure of Kazelain House in Sligo. Over the past five-and-a-half years, more than 60 former prisoners have succeeded in turning their lives around in this unique centre.
John, a former resident who is now studying for a degree in social studies, is a good example. "If it wasn't for this place I would be back in prison, in bits on drugs and drink," he says. "This place has saved my life."
For the 13 residents now in Kazelain it is a refuge, a home, a community and a bridge to a life free from addiction and crime. Its closure would not only be a human tragedy, but also financial folly. If even one of the residents were to return to his former way of life, it is likely that the cost to the State and to society would far outweigh the centre's modest annual running cost of about €400,000.
We are convinced that the closure of this centre would not result in savings, but rather heartache and loss. Frankie, a resident from Dublin, puts it this way: "The reality is that half of the people here are destined to return to prison if the house closes. I just can't believe that those in authority can't see that. So many lives have been changed for the better in this house, and so many more are at risk of being destroyed if it closes, that it just doesn't make sense." - Yours, etc,
EAMON FITZPATRICK,
President, St Patrick's Conference of St Vincent de Paul,
Strandhill Road,
Sligo.