A new equine rehabilitation centre opened today at Castlerea Prison could be used as a blueprint for correctional facilities across Europe.
That's according to Minister for Justice Helen McEntee as she opened the new unit in Roscommon this lunchtime.
The Horses of Hope centre is designed to help grow employment opportunities for prisoners, foster responsibility and build confidence and self-belief as part of a full time course delivered at the site adjacent to the facility.
Inmates learn about horse health, grooming, tack and rugs as well as first aid, Hoof Care and Safe Handling over the course of several weeks.
The programme has received substantial support from Horse Racing Ireland and was spearheaded by Jack and Jill founder Jonathan Irwin.
Speaking at the event today, Minister McEntee says Castlerea Prison will be an example to facilities across Europe.
I don't see why it cant be used as a blueprint certainly for other countries to take on board and see how this is working, already we have 12 prisoners who have taken part in the programme and they themselves have expressed how positive it's been for them.
This is a national programme , its not specific to people who are in Castlerea, so its open to prisoners from across the country to apply, but as with anything , depending on the popularity or the resources that are available, who knows where this will go.
