I propose to take Questions Nos. 1658, 1663, 1664 and 1665 together.

I am advised that my Department has no direct involvement in this symposium.

I understand that the Correctional Research Symposium (CRS) is an international conference co-organised by EuroPris - a network of European prison agencies and the International Corrections & Prisons Association (IACP).

I am advised that the symposium is dedicated to research in the field of community and institutional corrections and prisons.  CRS provides a platform for exchange among professionals from diverse contexts.  Each CRS conference is held in a different part of the world.  The current CRS is the fourth of its kind and is being held in Belfast, hosted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service. 

Participation in the CRS is based on the merit of each research contribution to community and institutional correctional and prison settings. All submitted papers are reviewed by a professional programme committee of experts.  Other than those participating in the conference, CRS is open to attendance from international delegates, typically those working within the field and in relevant academia.

The CRS will be attended by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in her capacity as the current President of EuroPris. A number of other IPS staff will also attend, and conference fees will be paid by the IPS on behalf of those attending in the normal course. There are no other costs which will accrue to my Department or the IPS relating to this event. 

I am advised that a visit to Mountjoy prison will take place as part of the full programme associated with the symposium. However, the list of those participants in the symposium who will attend the visit to Mountjoy prison has not yet been finalised.