It has been claimed it was just not practical to use prison work parties during the recent freeze and snowfall.
Suggestions that they might be used to help the communities cut off by the snow would have been fraught with difficulties, according to the Home Affairs Minister.
Juan Watterson says it would have been necessary to assess each prisoner individually as to whether they would try and take advantage of the situation by, for instance, bringing drugs back into the prison
New minister promises to remove 'unnecessary barriers' to housing
Rob Callister appointed as new Housing and Communities Minister
Plans submitted for temporary marquee at Milntown
Estate says if approved it would help generate more income
"I can't believe it!": Manx contestant stuns Countdown hosts with record-breaking run
Hazel Drury becomes highest-scoring female "octochamp"
'Stay on top of web maintenance' to prevent future issues
Advice issued to Manx businesses following cyber security flaw
