Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the total number of prisoners currently incarcerated at all locations throughout the country; the number in high-security or other forms of prison, including open prisons; the extent to which rehabilitative or training programmes are available throughout; the total number of prisoners eligible for such schemes; the number currently receiving training or education; the number of any applicants for such programme; the extent to which an examination has been carried out as to the importance of such programmes when prisoners are eventually released into the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38008/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The numbers and locations of prisoners as at 28 November 2011 are outlined in the following table.

Portlaoise is maximum security prison in the state, Shelton Abbey and Loughan House are the two open centres and the Training Unit is a semi-open facility.

The Irish Prison Service provides a range of rehabilitative programmes which have the dual purpose of providing prisoners with purposeful activity while serving their sentences and encouraging and equipping them to lead productive lives on release. Programmes provided include health care, psychiatric, psychological, educational, work and training, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These interventions are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management, and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners, and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody. These programmes are available in all prisons and all prisoners are eligible to use the services.

Following a recommendation by the Inspector Of Prisons in his 2010 Annual Report, an independent education audit has been commissioned by the Irish prison Service on the adequacy, efficiency and relevance of the prison education system. The Psychology Service offers group and individual interventions to all prisoners. A particular emphasis has been put on the development of programmes for prisoners convicted of sex offences and violent offences. Significant progress is also being made in the development of programmes based on risk assessment and rehabilitation needs.

The Irish Prison Service will continue to seek to improve the services available to prisoners insofar as resources allow. In this regard, a number of projects are currently underway 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, it will provide for additional training workshops and a new training kitchen. At the Midlands prison, as part of the new accommodation block, additional work training and educational facilities are being provided. It is planned to have the block fully commissioned by mid 2012. It will also include a new fully fitted kitchen which will provide enhanced training opportunities for prisoners.