Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to improve education and training facilities in each of the prisons in the State. [34996/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Prison Service places a strong emphasis on the provision of education, work and training for prisoners with a wide range of education classes and training workshops available across the prison estate. The Irish Prison Service will continue to improve services available to prisoners insofar as resources allow.

In this regard, a number of projects are currently under way which will improve the facilities available. A significant programme of works is nearing completion in the Dóchas Centre where, in addition to improving the overall standard of the Centre, will provide for additional training workshops and a new training kitchen. At the Midlands prison, as part of the new accommodation block to be fully commissioned in 2012, additional work training and educational facilities are being provided. It will also include a new fully fitted kitchen which will provide enhanced training opportunities for prisoners.

The Irish Prison Service continues to develop its IT facilities in the prison schools which will enhance prisoner educational opportunities. An in-cell education pilot project to allow prisoners continue their classroom learning is also being introduced in St Patrick's Institution and Wheatfield prison.

I am further informed by the Irish Prison Service that, as the prison estate is developed by new building projects or by refurbishment of the existing estate, education and training facilities will be enhanced to the greatest extent that resources will allow.