Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 26 February 2009, if he will provide the corresponding figure for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21945/10]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 2 April 2009, if he will provide the corresponding figure for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21946/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 264 together.

The following table sets out the requested expenditure figures for the Irish Prison Service in 2009. The first column shows expenditure on sports, gym and recreational equipment (including expenditure on balls) and the second column separately shows expenditure on balls.

All expenditure figures provided for 2009 above are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The figures for the Dublin prisons have been amalgamated as many of these items would have been procured centrally through the Regional Distribution Centre within the Irish Prison Service. In respect of expenditure on balls, the figures provided relate to the purchase of balls for use in a variety of sports including tennis, football, hand-ball, squash, table tennis and basketball.

As the Deputy will appreciate, there are significant benefits to be gained from participating in physical education, be it in a community setting or in the prison environment. In the prison setting, physical education affords prisoners the opportunity to take control of one aspect of their daily life, namely their physical well-being. This has the potential knock-on effect of increasing their motivation and confidence to tackle other identified issues such as substance abuse and to take up educational or workshop opportunities. It is also recognised that physical education, sport and recreation play a significant role in the management of prison life by providing positive outlets for energy.

The level of expenditure in the sports and recreation area, in any particular year, would be affected by the number of prisoners in custody and the requirement to adequately fit-out any new facilities provided during the year. In relation to 2009, the average daily number of prisoners increased by almost 10% on the previous year and there was a requirement to fit-out new accommodation blocks at Castlerea, Portlaoise and Wheatfield.