Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the prison education service at St. Patrick's Institution outlining the level of participation of young offenders on the scheme, the range of courses on offer and additional improvements which have been made to same over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40296/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In St Patrick's Institution educational classes and courses are provided by a team of 20 whole-time equivalent teachers. The number of teachers increased from 12 to the current 20 in February 2007 following the opening of the new B Division. All young persons are interviewed on committal for both Work/Training and Education and offered places in one or other of these activities. While the primary focus is on basic literacy and numeracy, the educational courses offered cover a wide range of subjects including English, Maths, Computers, Art, Music, Home Economics and Guidance. A variety of subjects are offered up to Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate standard and various FETAC courses are on offer. Currently 115 prisoners are participating in educational classes, with at least 60 attending on any given day. In addition, all inmates have access to library facilities and a fully fitted out gymnasium.

In addition, in the Work/Training area, a number of vocational workshops are currently in operation — covering Woodwork and Joinery, Metal Work, Computer Training, Industrial Cleaning and Industrial Skills. Some inmates also work in the kitchen and laundry areas, with others engaged in painting, general cleaning and horticultural work around the Institution.

St Patrick's Institution also offers a range of in-house programmes in the areas of addiction awareness, treatment and counselling (i.e., drugs, alcohol) and takes a proactive approach in developing and maintaining links with a wide range of community and voluntary bodies. There are about 50 such bodies and groups with which the Institution engages and interacts either on an in-reach basis or with a view to securing post-release placements.