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
'Deterrent' sentence imposed for ketamine importer
23-year-old Liverpool man jailed for 22 months
Several sailings at risk or cancelled due to adverse weather
Heysham crossing off today and four in doubt tomorrow
Glencrutchery Road to close to northbound traffic
Manx Utilities carrying out emergency repairs on burst water main
MHK's shock over Hospice announcement
Dr Alex Allinson to quiz health minister over charity's funding
Sulby Straight closure in place this weekend
Tree felling works to take place