Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This year has seen an almost 20% increase in current spend for prisons compared to last year. This year was an acknowledgement that there needed to be a step change and a significant increase for our prisons for the reasons the Deputy has outlined.

Our prison population has increased. The number of people on remand in our prisons in the past ten years alone has increased significantly, which requires not just additional space but a significant increase in prison officers. This year's budget reflects the demand. It is an increase of €54 million. The capital budget has increased by 70%. I have said many times that the budget was a step change, particularly for the prisons. This year's budget recognises and acknowledges that there has been a significant increase in the number of prisoners. There is also a need for an increase in staff. Again, the figure of €150 million on top of the figure of €300 million from last year will assist in that expansion.