Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I can advise the Deputy it is not factually correct that work undertaken by prisoners in Irish prisons is unpaid. All prisoners are eligible for a daily gratuity whether or not they carry out prison work, which is not the case in many other countries, and prisoners in most prisons may earn additional gratuities by carrying out certain types of work. The current rate of the daily gratuity is €2.35. The additional gratuity for prison work is typically paid in the form of vouchers which can be used to purchase goods in the prison tuck shop. The levels of additional gratuity are set by the governor in each institution. The current rate averages approximately €10 per week. I should point out also that most forms of work in Irish prisons offer an opportunity to avail of accredited training.

A review of the gratuity payments and allowances system has recently been completed by the Irish Prison Service. I am currently considering the recommendations arising from this review.

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